Fr. Dick’s Spiritual Reflection–5/8/2024
Always Remember the Heroes
On my way to a parish mission in Syracuse, New York, I had to stop in Baltimore. Flying Southwest it’s hard to get non stops. Anyway on board flight were two veterans of the Korean War heading to Washington DC for a memorial celebration. Southwest announced we had two special heroes on board, brothers Ray and Howard who served and survived the war. So to honor them we were asked to shut all the window shades, lights off and turn on the call lights. The whole plane looked like a Christmas tree with just those lights on. Both brothers were given Soutwest crowns and the whole plane started clapping. It was quite moving!
My reflection is on our men and women veterans. They deserve quality of life now for the sacrifices they and their families have made so we enjoy our freedom. They should never be forgotten and always praised. One way is when you hear the national anthem sung before sporting events, listen for the most important word in the anthem. The last one, “home of the BRAVE.” That’s for our veterans. Now my friends in Kansas City, won’t hear it because the world championship Chief fans change the last word to Chiefs instead of Brave. I’m trying to get this changed but haven’t heard back from the owner yet. I mentioned this because sometimes we forget but the Chief fans do love the veterans.
Today I got to witness a great tribute to two veterans, Ray and Howard due to courtesy of Southwest airlines and the crew of flight #995.