By Fr. Justin Fulton
This week we honored and mourned the lives of American heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in dying for the cause of freedom. Memorial Day. As we paused to celebrate the reality that there are causes worth dying for perhaps Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity for an examination of our own consciences. Do I sacrifice daily? Do I think of others before myself always? What or who would I die for? How do I emulate Jesus and His Sacrifice? Do I know Jesus in the face of the poor?
I remember fondly going out to the cemeteries with my family on Memorial Day. We would visit our neighbor Alvin DeBuhr, a World War II and Korean War vet. My dad, a Vietnam vet, and my mother would pick newly flowered peonies in our yard and Mr. DeBuhr’s yard. Shortly thereafter we would load up in the station wagon and head to Sheridan Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery to make our visits and pay our respects to loved ones and townspeople who had served.
A couple of weeks ago our friends at F Street Community Center and Church reached out to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska to partner with and reach out to veterans and to those who have fled from war-torn regions of the world. Together, we created cleaning kits for the veterans who live at the Victory Apartments at the VA campus in Lincoln. The cleaning kits included disinfectant spray, toilet bowl cleaner, disposable gloves, paper towels, personal items and much more. In addition, we packaged the same cleaning kits for people who veterans have fought and sacrificed for during the wars they served in: refugees from Vietnam, the Ukraine, Burma, and many other countries.
It was fascinating to see the link between the veterans who have fought for others and those people they fought to free. After all the years, miles, and all the aging both sets of people needed help—both veterans and refugees. And Christian charity prevailed and help was provided in the Name of Jesus Christ by F Street Community Center and Church and Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. This was a beautiful testament to sacrifice, honor, the dignity of every human person and neighbor helping neighbor.
If your parish, group, school, class, or neighborhood wants to partner with us and help those who could use a little help feel free to reach out to our Regional Director of Social Services, Katie Patrick, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
May we pray for and honor those who have been called to give their lives in the name of freedom. God bless them and all of our veterans. May we reach out to those less fortunate and remember those who escape war-torn regions of the world. And may we all spread the love of Jesus Christ to every person that we meet.
Thank you for your prayers and support of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Thank you for living greatly. And thank you for your faith in Jesus Christ! May God bless us all.
