Joyful Witness / Kimberly Pohovey

An opportunity to remember and pray for our military

It’s Memorial Day weekend. Friends are visiting from out of town. We spend a glorious day at the lake house of another friend. We eat, drink and enjoy a three-day weekend. We dutifully and proudly display our American flag every Memorial Day, and I’ve said a quick prayer after viewing a social media post reminding me of the holiday. But I have to admit, that has been the extent of my observance.

This Memorial Day was a bit different. Not that I did anything earth-shattering, but I certainly gave the holiday more thought and prayer this year.

You see, about three months ago, when visiting friends in Columbus, Ohio, on a lazy Saturday afternoon with no plans, we decided to check out the newly opened National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

As we crept through the displays, I found myself overcome with emotion. I didn’t really have any expectations for this museum experience, but I quickly found myself drawn in by the personal connections the curators carefully undertook to tell the stories of these veterans who served in horrific wars. The entire display is told through firsthand accounts and poignant photos of soldiers—from all branches of the military—who bravely defended our country throughout America’s history.

My husband and I are both the type who try to read every word of every display when visiting a museum. We live in such a fast-paced, flash-in-the-pan culture where we are shocked or overcome one minute and on to the next funny meme the next. But taking the time to intentionally read each display and connect emotionally with each story, each person who courageously served our country, was a game-changer for me.

My father served in the Army at the close of World War II. My father-in-law served in Korea. Our cousin’s husband served in Vietnam. None of them divulged much detail about that time in their lives.

While I’ve always had a healthy reverence for those who answer the call to duty, I really haven’t known anyone who has personally shared what they went through. I have to believe that the majority of Americans, like myself, have no tangible connection to veterans or those currently serving in the military. And because of that lack of connection, it is easy to take for granted the sacrifice these brave men and women—and their families—endure or have endured for the sake of our freedom. That is not just a shame, it’s a travesty.

As I wound around the displays, I found I was trailing behind a group of four men. I couldn’t help but overhear their conversations, and all of a sudden, I was transported to their firsthand accounts.

I listened as one man said, “Hey, I served with that guy,” while pointing to a photo. Another, when viewing the Vietnam display, bowed his head and seemed to only verbally get out a “man.” But his teary eyes spoke volumes. At times, they laughed and punched each other in the arm, recalling funny incidents. At other times, they were completely silent, lost in their thoughts and remembrances; and the air seemed heavy.

At the end of the museum, we came to an art display of paintings, sculptures, drawings and 3D materials all created by veterans using art as a means to cope with their post-traumatic stress disorder. At that display, I finally caught up with the group of veterans. I said I assumed they had served in the military. They answered affirmatively, and I thanked them for their service. They said they were in town for the funeral of a military buddy, and while in Columbus they were eager to check out this museum. They told me it was both amazing and hard, but that they were grateful for a space to remember.

Experiencing the museum through their eyes and conversation was a memory I will treasure. And I think for all the Memorial Day’s to come, I will pray extra hard for the safety and well-being of our troops currently serving and thank God for the countless men and women whose sacrifice enable our continued freedom.
 

(Kimberly Pohovey is a member of St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis. She is the director of major and planned gifts for the archdiocese.) †