Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that yesterday, November 11, was Veterans Day. I was privileged to serve 23 years as a military chaplain for the United States Army Reserves. During that time, I encountered men and women dedicated in service to our country and the protection of its citizens.

Patriotism always has been a part of my life. I was a Boy Scout who took my oath seriously “…to do my duty to God and my country.” My father was a Marine and fought on the Pacific Islands during World War II and my uncles fought in the European Theater, my older cousin was a Marine who fought during the Lebanon Crisis, and my other cousin fought in the Vietnam War. I was in the seminary when the Vietnam War was raging and many of my neighborhood friends were called to action. I knew in my own mind that at some time in the future I needed to give back, offer service and do my duty.

We stand on the shoulders of those who have offered their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy. We need to take ownership of our debt. It was a not-very-comfortable position that I maintained during my years in college (1967-1971). I supported “conscription.” This was a concept that everyone should give two years of service to support our country. This service could be fulfilled in the military, or it could be met in social service in rural areas. If one was in professional studies — doctors, lawyers, nurses — a deferment could be received for a pledge of future service to poor rural or urban areas after graduation. I would not even exempt a priest who could serve after ordination as a chaplain in the military or chaplain to groups in underserved population areas. To this very day, I still believe this concept could be a valuable source of investing in America’s future. Why? Because then one takes ownership in this country that we love.

I place my hand over my heart when I pledge my allegiance to the flag. I know that those who wear the uniform wear it proudly. True, they follow orders to achieve unit cohesion. But the soldiers that I encountered love this country and they follow orders willingly, entering the theater of action knowing that it might mean sacrificing their lives for the sake of the country and the protection of its citizens. We know the bravery of those who are publicly declared heroes, but I have met the everyday heroes of the soldiers who wear the uniform and stand for everything that makes our country great.

War is a terrible thing. It takes the lives of men and women. It leaves many scarred or psychologically impaired. We owe our veterans our gratitude because it is their contributions which allow us to argue our politics, put forward our ideologies and to protest. Perhaps as we consider this Veterans Day even as it has passed, we can pause and offer a prayer in gratitude for the brave men and women who have offered their lives in wars past or been injured in the protection of our country’s interest, and pledge that our veterans should not be homeless or suffer neglect but instead held in the highest esteem. This week of Veterans Day, let us call upon all Americans to love all our vets as we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Archbishop of Milwaukee          

Note: This blog originally appeared as the November 12, 2024, "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.