Dear Spiritual Family,
Happy Memorial Day Week. Our message this time around is more personal than usual. The inspiration for it is based in our deep love and gratitude for all those who have given so much to assure the freedoms that we enjoy here in America and around the world.
When we received from our dear friend, Col. Fred Butler, the touching story of the Dutch families who honor the fallen American, Canadian, and British soldiers, it added impetus to share in the way we have. That missive is included here:
“About six miles from Maastricht, in the Netherlands, lie buried 8,301 American soldiers who died in ‘Operation Market Garden’ in the battles to liberate Holland in the fall and winter of 1944.
“Every one of the men buried in the cemetery, as well as those in the Canadian and British military cemeteries, has been adopted by a Dutch family who mind the grave, decorate it, and keep alive the memory of the soldier they have adopted. It is even the custom to keep a portrait of ‘their’ American soldier in a place of honor in their home. Annually, on ‘Liberation Day,’ memorial services are held for ‘the men who died to liberate Holland.’ The day concludes with a concert. The final piece is always ‘Il Silenzio,’ a memorial piece commissioned by the Dutch and first played in 1965 on the 20th anniversary of Holland’s liberation. It has been the concluding piece of the memorial concert ever since.
“The year is 2014, the soloist is a 13-year-old Dutch girl, Melissa Venema, backed by André Rieu and his orchestra (the Royal Orchestra of the Netherlands). This beautiful concert piece is based upon the original version of Taps and was composed by Italian composer Nino Rossi.”
We encourage you to take a moment by clicking on the link above to experience the gift of this performance by Melissa Venema. We find it extremely moving.
We humbly dedicate this week’s message to some of those who served and have touched our lives so deeply: Parm Ferrie, Army Air Force and Rosemary Ferrie, USN; Dr. Ryan C. Bolen, USN; A.J. Elliott, USAF, Col. Fred Butler, USAF; Kate Seeley, USN; Ryan “Bo” Bolen, USA; Rev. Ron Scott, USMC; Ben Campen, USMC; Matthew Bolen, USA. Thank you dear beings. We wish we could name you all here.
We have found that taking time to honor those in our lives who have served to keep us free, can be a doorway to peace and unity. Perhaps you will find it true for you as well.
We love you, dear Family,
Rev. Steve, USN and Mary
Going Deeper
- What, for you, does this Memorial Day mean?
- Can you share a story about yourself or someone you know who has served or their family, that has had a meaningful impact on your life?
Peace, Love and Blessings,
Rev. Steve and Mary