Friday Five For Remembrance

This week's Friday Five (brought to us by Sophia) invites reflection on the theme of remembrance, which is also present in the feasts of All Saints, celebrated in many liturgical churches on November 1, and All Souls--known in Latino cultures as the Day of the Dead--celebrated in some the following day.

1. Did your church have any special celebrations for All Saints/All Soul's Day?

My former/current?/most recent parish reads the names of loved ones departed during communion.

2. How about Veterans' Day?

That we definitely do not do. I would be ok with it (I think), but the rector is an Englishman who is particularly conscious of holidays like these.

3. Did you and your family have a holiday for Veterans' Day/Remembrance Day? If so, how did you take advantage of the break?

Nope! Work as usual.

4. Is there a veteran in your life, living or dead, whose dedication you remember and celebrate? Or perhaps a loved one presently serving in the armed forces?

Actually, in my immediate family, November 10th is more important than Veteran's Day. It's the Marine Corps birthday! I call my mom every year to tell her "Happy Birthday!"

Story time: She spent 21 years in the USMC, and went to the birthday ball every year. Most (if not all) of the other women there were in lovely formal gowns, and she wore her uniform. So the first year that she was retired, we got all dressed up and went to the Marine Room on Nov. 10th to celebrate. (Of course, that "marine" was referring to it's location right on the beach, rather than the military, but we were OK with that.)

5. Do you have any personal rituals which help you remember and connect with loved ones who have passed on?

I really don't.