Veterans Day Message 2014

Sons and Friends of Xavier,

On Friday, November 7, the Xavier Community gathered to induct 11 new members into the Xavier Hall of Fame. They were men who have served their communities, the Church and the nation with distinction. Four among them, Phillip McAuliffe ’41†, Ruben Cubero ’57, Patrick Stokes ’60 and Michael Rand†, served in the armed forces of the United States. They are among thousands of Sons of Xavier, Xavier faculty and family members through the years who have served, and in some cases made the ultimate sacrifice, to defend our nation and our freedoms.

The hallmark of Jesuit education is producing young men and women to be of service: of service to a faith that does justice; service that will lead to a world of peace and justice, a world where war is not the answer. Our Hall of Fame honorees, like all our alumni, family and friends who have served in the military, have worked for peace. As we honor them this Veterans Day, let us do our part to build a more peaceful and just world.

I am happy to share the prayer below which I found on the beliefnet website attributed to the Concord Pastor. I have slightly amended the original.

A Prayer for Our Veterans

God of peace, we pray for all those who have served our nation to protect and defend our freedom.

We pray for those who have laid down their lives to make the world better, and for the consolation of their families and friends.

We pray for those who have fought, whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war, whose nights are haunted by memories too painful for the light of day.

We pray for those who serve us now, especially for those in harm’s way. Shield them from danger
and bring them home.

Turn the hearts and minds of our leaders and our enemies to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.

Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!

May the peace you left us, the peace you gave us, be the peace that sustains, the peace that saves us.

Christ Jesus, hear us! Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!

Amen.

– from the Concord Pastor

Jack Raslowsky
President