May
Remembering the Fallen
For those of us in the United States, Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have fallen in service to the nation and the community. Memorial Day is America’s day of the fallen. We honor them and their service. Rather than make it a somber day, we remember the fallen with celebrations in their honor.
This calls to mind a quote from General Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” (Or as we Heathens say it, thank the Gods…)
America recognizes the importance of gratitude. We have two holidays devoted to it. Thanksgiving is the holiday when we giver thanks for our well-being,. Memorial Day is when we thank those who gave all for the good of the people. Obviously, this holiday is sacred to both Odin and Tyr. Odin is the God of the Fallen. Tyr is the God of those who serve the people. Heathens, Asatruar and Odinists should treat this is as more than a common holiday. For us, its intention resonates with our own spiritual principles.
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Today the veterans were out at the Post, practicing our “drill and ceremonies” for tomorrow. Most of us have been out of the service for many years, yet we have no trouble with the manual of arms. I will be marching in the parade tomorrow. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the fallen and to do service to Odin and Tyr.
