CTK parishioner and grandfather of two CKRS alumni, Captain Doug Wells, USAF Reserve delivered the keynote address during the school Mass. He is pictured with his wife Dianna, and daughter Margo Ahart.
Since the Middle Ages, November 11 has been celebrated as the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours. Martin (316-397 AD) was the son of a veteran who followed his father into the Roman Army. He became a Christian in his youth, and after he retired from the army, he became the bishop of Tours in modern-day France. Since 1938, November 11 has been a legal holiday “to be dedicated to the cause of world peace” because World War I ended on November 11, 1918. Since 1954, it has been known as Veterans Day.
Our parish commemorated the day in many ways. On Saturday morning, November 9, we hosted the annual Veterans Haven 5K. Many parishioners, including Fr. Jon, ran. Parishioner Joe McElroy helped lead the National Anthem before the race, then MC’d the awards ceremony. Veterans Haven, in Hammonton, supports homeless veterans.
At each Sunday Mass, Fr. Jon offered a blessing for veterans, who were also given the opportunity to share their service branch and places of deployment. Several parishioners representing the four major services stood at each Mass and were applauded by the congregation.
On Monday, the holiday itself, Christ the King School organized a service in the church to recognize parents and grandparents of students who have served in the military. As usual, students led the service, welcoming the guests, offering readings, and leading the songs.
In God’s Providence, the day carries a double but complementary meaning for American Catholics. We ask for the blessing of the veteran-saint Martin of Tours on today’s veterans and pray for the day when soldiers may permanently lay down their arms.
Father Jon, Pastor
For information on how to support veterans and their families, visit NJ.gov and continue to veterans services. All active duty and retired members of the military are eligible to join the American Legion, contact Joe McElroy for details on Local Post 38.