At the end of "Saving Private Ryan", Pvt. James Francis Ryan has a life-changing confrontation.  Captain James Miller and the Second Rangers were sent to save the last surviving Ryan brother from the war.  Together, this band of brothers has sacrificed as they strive to fulfill their orders where the man is the mission.

Now Miller lies bleeding after having defending a bridge from Nazi advancement as well as shielding Ryan from harm.  He mutters something through his pain.  Ryan leans in closer and asks, "What, sir?"  Miller’s last words are "James, earn this…earn it."

The movie concludes with the now senior Ryan looking back upon his life.  He seeks assurances from his wife and family, "Tell me I have led a good life…Tell me I’m a good man."

Memorial Day offers us an opportunity that is more than summer first trip "downy ocean, hon" or the opening of the pool season.  Memorial Day is more than an occasion to picnic.

Memorial Day reminds us of the fragility of our life, the challenges of peace, and the sacrifices necessary
for democracy and human rights.  It is a day of remembrance.

Our faith is a faith of remembrance.  Sacrifice has been offered on our behalf of our sinfulness. Our Eucharist is a celebration of the memorial of Christ, of his life, of his death, of his Resurrection, and of his intercession in the presence of the Father. This Memorial Day weekend, we also celebrate Pentecost.  The presence of the Spirit initiated centuries of tradition built upon the saints who have done likewise in memory of the Lord. Our own discipleship is built upon the haunting echo that our own conscience whispers to us…that we should "earn this."

Each day, therefore, becomes our "Memorial Day."  We take the generous gift of life and grace from the Creator and attempt to build upon that opportunity, forming our own destiny in the footsteps of the Lord.

Pope Benedict XVI recently encouraged the young people of Brazil in saying that "These years of your life are the years which will prepare you for your future. Your ‘tomorrow’ depends much on how you are living the ‘today’ of your youth. Stretching out in front of you, my dear young friends, is a life that all of us hope will be long; yet it is only one life, it is unique: do not let it pass it vain; do not squander it. Live it with enthusiasm and with joy, but most of all, with a sense of responsibility."

Today, on this Day of Memorial…remember…don’t waste the day…and, earn this.