Where Do We Go From Here?

It been a long hot summer already and with a few more weeks to go... it is our hope and prayers that it’s does not get any hotter.  And in the light of recent events, it is clear that Milwaukee is just like so many other major cities in America that needs a lot of attention and its needed it now.  From what has already occurred it is clear that a lot of elected officials are not in tune, plugged-in or connected as they should be to what is happening on the grass root level.  Those of us, who work, live and play on the grass root level, it’s a different ballgame.  We are keenly aware of what happening, who’s who, what’s what and what’s going down. 

Sadly, what too often is missing in grass root communities are the people who serve as connectors, organizers and advocates.  They speak the language and know firsthand of the pain, suffering and trauma that goes on each and every day.  They know people by their first names, their families and history.  In addition, they make themselves available when called upon, to fill gaps and to listen to those who have no voice.  They are people persons and are proud to be called a neighbor and friend.

When unique moments of tension, unrest and riots arise in communities, they serve as a wake-up call.  More importantly they provide an opportunity in which to connect or reconnect with others for a greater cause.  With each of these events, regardless of specifics; helps us to pause, to take a step back and reevaluate what happen, why it happen and to find ways to keep it from happening in the near future.  Each occurrence also provide us with a window of opportunity to begin a new dialog, to share our stories of faith, hope, and peace and to demonstrate some goodwill.   

     

During these unsettling times, it is not easy to look beyond what has happen and to see the bigger picture of what is possible.  These times are filled with pain, confusion, fear and uncertainty.  But these times are also filled with our ability to rise above our limitations and to overcome our weaknesses.  It is also a time to build some new bridges of understanding and to allow our belief in the common good of all people to shine through.  

Gold Star Families

I know that there are no major holidays coming soon in which to pay tribute to those who are on or have served on active duty, in the reserves or National Guard.   But, I believe when an opportunity presents itself, we should take a moment or so to reflect upon what it means to serve in any branch of the US military.  It is clear that our great nation owes a deep gratitude to all those men and women who have help to keep the values of America first and foremost.  Our gratitude should go even deeper when we consider those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in support of those freedoms. 

Since the beginning and even now nothing can adequately prepare a family when the news comes that a loved one has died while serving the country and nothing can erase the pain caused by that loss.  Certainly, nothing will ever give a family the comfort and peace they seek, for their journey is a search for meaning and understanding.  And “…on behalf of a grateful nation, please accept this flag as symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”   

Nearly 100 years ago, during World War I (July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918) something different took place when a servicemen was killed in combat; a gold star was placed over a service flag blue star.  The Gold Star signified the family’s pride in the loved one’s sacrifice rather than the mourning of their personal loss.  In reflection, many Gold Star families wear a Gold Star lapel pin to signify their pride.  The lapel pin displays a Gold Star with a purple background surrounded by a gold wreath.  Today, the National Gold Star Family Registry notes on its website that 472,045 fallen service members have been registered by relatives.

But the Gold Star program is more, it has been designed to help ease the burden of families through a number of ways including reaching out to families, providing information on available resources, benefits, a sympathetic ear, and connecting them to other Gold Star families who live in the area.  In addition, many businesses and companies help to support Gold Star activities.  This unique program also helps to raise awareness thought events, memorials, or to establish a foundation in the memory of a lost service member.  And the best way to support a Gold Star family is to remember and honor their fallen hero.