The last week of May always begins with a holiday, so I am writing to you to be sure none of us will miss the significance of the important moments that occur in our faith and in our nation – and why.

Monday, May 29 is our country’s official day to celebrate Memorial Day. It is a federal holiday for remembering and honoring people who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This day is currently observed every year on the last Monday of May, but until 1970, was previously observed on May 30. It is considered the unofficial start of the summer vacation season.

Many people visit cemeteries on Memorial Day, particularly to honor those who died in military service. They were our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, moms and dads, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or friends. They went to war and gave their lives for a cause. They made their sacrifices. They are often in our thoughts; but especially on Memorial Day, we gather to say in one voice, “thank you.” We ask God’s peace for them and pray they may know how much we appreciate their sacrifice and the freedom they insured for us and our children.

The traditional Memorial Day Masses will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Ascension Cemetery, Airmont, Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, and Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island. Parish cemetery Masses are arranged by their pastors.

In the morning, the flags of the United States in public are raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where they remain only until noon when they are raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

Thanks for the opportunity to provide a glimpse of this very noteworthy time. Prepare yourselves to enjoy the rich blessing of a wonderful day with special contact with God and our nation. Life is more than work; it includes time for prayer and patriotism, too.