Veterans Day: A call to remember, recognize and revere
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The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month brought hope for the end of all war.
“Of course, history tells us the rest of the story,” Monsignor Robert A. Kurwicki reminded the people who had gathered in the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter in Jefferson City for the annual Veterans Day Mass and Prayer Service.
The decades-old annual observance brought men and women in military regalia, along with local public safety personnel and an abundance of prayers of thanks for a free country and the people who have helped make it so.
Veterans Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
It’s a day to remember the men and women who served in the military, defending liberty in wartime and in peace.
“Everyone who has served in the military is a veteran, and people over various stages of life served in a very honorable and very noble role,” said Msgr. Kurwicki, pastor of St. Peter Parish and presider at the Mass.
“We gather here today as we have been doing for many generations here at St. Peter’s to give thanks,” he stated.
He said it’s important to remember veterans, recognize them in the community, and revere them for what they were willing to do.
“Some have been wounded. Some came out of it without a scratch,” he noted. “Nevertheless, the knowledge of what they were willing to give up is something we should never, ever forget, and we should constantly be grateful for it.”
He pointed out that free elections and the freedom to express one’s political and religious views openly in this country have been constantly defended by the sweat and blood of veterans.
“All of that, we have because these veterans were willing to fight and defend our nation’s freedom,” he said.
He noted that every person has stories that most people don’t know about them.
“Stories of their willingness to do things to defend themselves, their colleagues, their friends and the rest of us, sometimes in a super-human way,” he said.
“As we then bring all that here to the altar at St. Peter’s at this Veterans Day Mass, we are grateful,” he stated.
A strong nation is even stronger because of its faith.
“Let us pray to the Lord for each of these veterans here today,” said Msgr. Kurwicki. “Let us pray for those who are no longer here with us, and let us support those who are.
“Each veteran is special. Each veteran is unique,” he said. “Thank God that he has placed them in our midst.”
“We are thankful”
About 200 people attended the Mass, some wearing regalia for various veteran organizations.
Father Thomas Alber, associate pastor of St. Peter Parish, concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Ric Telthorst assisted at the altar.
The rectory porch was adorned with red, white and blue bunting, and American flags hung from the lamp posts across the street.
The weather was stunning.
Members of the St. Peter Parish Schola, led and accompanied by Lesley Smith, joined in singing such hymns as “God Of Our Fathers,” “America the Beautiful” and “the Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Representatives of veterans’ organizations and auxiliaries and local law enforcement agencies carried flags and banners in the procession past an honor guard of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus from the Dan C. Coppin and St. Jude assemblies of Jefferson City and Mary’s Home, respectively.
The parish’s Holy Name Society sponsors the event each year.
At the end of Mass, parishioner Jack Dayton, chairman of the society’s Veterans Day Committee, led the congregation in a prayer.
He called upon God to bless and protect veterans, living and deceased, all who have been injured by war, all who are currently serving, and true and lasting peace.
He also offered a reflection on Veterans Day and its significance.
“On this day, we recognize every veteran, past and present, and we express our gratitude for what they have done,” he said. “We are also thankful to have them with us — whether or not we know them personally.”
Members of the Samuel F. Gearhart Detachment of the Marine Corps League fired a three-volley rifle salute in the street outside the church, followed by “Taps” played by bugler Elias Cox, a student at St. Peter School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 4, on the church steps.
A reception for veterans was held in the parish hall after Mass.
“Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardsman — Veterans Day is your day,” Mr. Dayton stated. “We are thankful to each of you for your service.
