Memorial Day, D-Day, Father's Day

This Memorial Day is very special for me, as I reflect upon the innumerable ways in which veterans have contributed so much to all of us in this country and around the world.

And with Father's Day fast approaching, I can't help but also recall the emphasis on service that my late dad, Andres N. Horcasitas Jr., taught me as he had served in WW II.

In Baton Rouge during Memorial Day weekend, there will be various musical gatherings.

While the celebrities at these events will certainly help people pass a great holiday time together, may we not forget the true meaning as a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service – and not just a great chance to have a three-day weekend. The best song that I could hear that weekend is “Taps.”

On Memorial Day, we give thanks to the innumerable sacrifices that people in the military have made for all of us, no matter what our political stripes may be. So many men and women have literally laid down their lives for us and our freedoms – there can be no greater way for someone to show us their love (John 15:13).
  A Father's Day connection to Memorial Day is evident for me, as I recall that my dad served in the Army in Alaska for four years during WW II. He had told me that while he was not involved in much direct infantry contact, he never knew if he had ever killed one of the enemies from his limited military excursions – which, at times, did cause dad to be somberly reflective.

When dad's sergeant asked his regimen if any of the guys knew how to type, dad said his hand never went up so fast, as he had previously gotten office training from Soule Business College in New Orleans before being drafted for the war. As a kid, I fondly heard many neat stories from dad about his close relationship with the sergeant, and we always looked forward to his Christmas cards for many years.

A D-Day (June 6) connection to Memorial Day is my grandpa Andres N. Horcasitas Sr., who had moved to New Orleans from Mexico City in the 1920s and became very involved in civic matters and was very influential. The 10,000th Higgins boat built, the “S. S. Veracruz” (named after one of the richest states in Mexico), was given to the Mexican government.

My grandmother, Maria del Rosario Rodriguez Horcasitas Sr., was given the privilege of christening the Veracruz before it was launched at an auspicious military ceremony on Sunday, July 23, 1944 at the Higgins’ Industrial Canal plant!

Our family provided some historical info and pictures to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans from that event, as my grandfather was a good friend with Andrew Higgins.

General and President Dwight Eisenhower was quoted as saying, "Andrew Higgins ... is the man who won the war (WWII) for us ... If Higgins had not designed and built LCVPs (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel), we never could have landed over an open beach. The whole strategy would have been different."

In the past as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker when I was facilitating efforts at attempting to get a patient to a War Veteran's Home, I was blessed to hear the following voice mail message towards the end that is apropos for Memorial Day:

“… And remember:
Bless those who serve;
Bless those who have served, and
Bless those who have never returned.”

While I have never been blessed to serve in the military, as a civilian who is now privileged to work with veterans, may I follow the example of the centurion soldier, and be a man who follows and gives orders humbly while proclaiming: "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Mt 8:8)

Horcasitas, a licensed clinic social worker, is founder/owner of Prayer Care LLC in Baton Rouge.