By Erin Scherer
“We know how hard it is to really give of ourselves in a heroic way,” Father Adam Bradshaw said during his homily at Monday morning’s annual Memorial Day Mass at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery.
“Even with the small demands of the day, we often can’t live up to that, and yet, there are many who take that extra mile to…go overseas and to fight in very dangerous situations, to embrace the natural gift of fortitude, overcoming challenges and giving of one’s life in a sacrificial way. All of us are called to this virtue!”
From elderly couples to young families with strollers, several hundred gathered in prayer, encouraged by Father Bradshaw to “pray for an increase in piety and fortitude,” virtues exemplified by those who heroically gave their lives in service to our country.
Throughout Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of visitors were privileged by the gorgeous weather and peaceful grounds of both Archdiocesan cemeteries, Mount Olivet and Saint Simeon. Visitors found their way up the flag-lined drive and to the graves to remember not only those lost in combat for our country but also all their loved ones who passed away.
The weekend culminated in a special celebration of Mass on Memorial Day at both cemeteries.
“We’ve come to this mass for 15 years and just really enjoy the outdoor setting,” shared Dan Eulberg.
With his in-laws interred at the cemetery, Eulberg and his family make it a point to attend the annual Mass.
“We always say hi to them, put a few flowers up and just enjoy the mass,” he continued. “It’s a beautiful place to be on Memorial Day! Beautiful indeed!”
The beautiful grounds of Mount Olivet and St. Simeon are the final resting place of over a hundred heroes killed in combat on Omaha Beach in Normandy, Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Vietnam and throughout the world.
As Father Adam pointed out, the Christian community gathered in prayer among these heroic individuals, a dynamic reminiscent of the early Church.
“This was the way in which early Christians celebrated Mass – on the tombs of the martyrs, in the cemeteries, in the catacombs,” he said.
The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Color Corps stood guard during the Mass, adding support, pomp, circumstance and respect.
“It’s important that we remember the essence, the original meaning of Memorial Day, of not just for honoring our beloved dead, but for honoring the military as originally intended,” notes Chris Gaul, a Knight of Columbus whose brother is a 30-year Navy veteran.
“It is a great reminder of what our way of life has cost and still costs,” reflected Greg Hitschler, a Funeral Director at Mount Olivet and Marine veteran. “We can forget that it exists because people volunteered and didn’t quit, didn’t give up, did their job honorably, did their job to the end.”
Echoing Hitschler’s sentiment, Father Bradshaw reminded those gathered that it is essential to offer gratitude for debts that can never be repaid to our family, our country and God.
“There are so many noble, beautiful things that we received as Americans, and soldiers have put their lives on the line so that we may live them out,” he said.
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Photo by Neil McDonough
Photo by Neil McDonough
Photo by Neil McDonough
Photo by Neil McDonough
Photo by Neil McDonough
As the faithful departed after Mass, Gary Schaaf, Executive Director of Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of Colorado, encouraged prayer and reflection in the day’s spirit.
“As you meander (the cemetery) and pray for them, just remember there is a lot of sacrifice all around us in very close proximity and so much to be thankful for!”, he said.
Theresa Pham couldn’t help but agree with Schaaf’s exhortation. She, her parents and her uncle, originally from Vietnam, attend the Memorial Day Mass at Mount Olivet each year.
“We have come to pray for those who not only fought here but everywhere, and in gratitude for the country that has received our family,” she told the Denver Catholic.
“My father was a veteran of World War II,” shared Patrick Norris. “He, Fred Earl Norris, is buried next to his wife, my mother, and her family. I come up and put flags on their grave sites every year. It’s beautiful. I love coming here.”
“My uncle Fred died in the invasion of Normandy in France. I come here every year to honor him,” Mary said.
“It is a massive honor to be able to take care of their graves here and to be able to look back in freedom and peace on a day like today and say, ‘Thank you, God, for their sacrifice, and let me never forget it,’” says Hitschler. “Let me try and see what they saw. What motivated them? What drove them to do this?”
In appreciation of their honorable service, the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services (CFCS) offers a discount for veterans and their spouses on funeral home services as well as cemetery services should they desire a burial in a veteran section at Mount Olivet or St. Simeon. Though many veterans might know about their cemetery benefits at Fort Logan, few realize they must arrange their own funeral plans. CFCS staff work directly with the National Cemetery and Veterans Affairs (VA) offices to arrange burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery and provide memorial items and military honors for those who qualify.
“It’s a special honor to do those services, especially when a family wants to value that, salute that,” says Hitschler. “Arranging for honors, at least displaying the flag, either folded or having it presented to the next of kin…I love doing that.”
Dedicated to the Corporal Works of Mercy, Mount Olivet and St. Simeon provide a dignified burial for an often-overlooked segment of the population, including military veterans who have experienced mental illness after serving our country and find themselves homeless. With dignity and respect, the Archdiocese and CFCS bury approximately 90% of individuals in the Denver metro area who lack resources. For those identified as veterans, they facilitate their burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
“We are not to calculate the cost, but with love and affection, give gratitude to God for all he’s given us, and by extension, gratitude to those who gave their lives for each and every one of us,” Father Bradshaw said in his homily.
Hitschler sees the faithful community as those who can follow in the footsteps of the heroes who have gone before us.
“There will always be hope for our country if there are still people who are willing to do what (veterans and war heroes) have done,” he concluded. “I believe that it’s through people of faith that those values are passed on. That’s what gives us the impetus to sacrifice that much outside of ourselves continually and faithfully: our belief in God. It’s directly tied to that…the conviction that we have something worth protecting.”
For those interested in learning more can call Mount Olivet at 720-943-8091 or check out the website: https://cfcscolorado.org/mission-programs/veteran-services/