May 28
Handgun Memorial Day
Edward Hays
The Old Hermit's Almanac
Forest of Peace Publishing Co.

Here in the United States, almost twice as many Americans were killed by firearms as in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War decade of 1963-1973.  The 46,752 killed in that conflict have a beautiful war memorial in Washington, D.C. while the 84,633 killed on the home front lack even a plaque. The united States has the world's highest death rate from firearms per capita, with a new gun being sold in the last years of the Second Millennium at the rate of one every 13.5 seconds. Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May and provides an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives on the home front because of our American obsession with guns.  May the new millennium help us to let go of our Old  American Wild West myths about gun-carrying cowboys and about shoot-outs on main street.  Jesus quoted a folk saying of his day that is just as valid today as it was two millenniums ago:  "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword." On this Handgun Memorial Day we can ask: Will the new millennium see the passage of laws in America like those in other civilized countries prohibiting the ownership of guns other than hunting firearms?

Reflection
The crucifixion of Jesus  was meant to make a statement to humankind
that violence is not what we are made for.
  We are made for love. 
The resurrection proved that to us. 
We are called to live not a violent life but a risen life. crsr