I was born in the early days of World War II. My father came home from the Pacific 6' 1" tall and 109 pounds. His brother came home from too many missions over Germany and never quite became whole. My wife's father did not return from France. One of my neighbors left his jaw in Europe.

I do not believe in the utility of force nor a just war. I do believe that we must remain connected to those deployed so far from home for they are a part of us and we must make every effort to remain "whole".

I will spend Memorial Day with friends, friends on the path to understanding, and reread the words of a high school student from Sierra Leone, Amanda Bradley, who knows the horror of war and the yearning for peace more intimately than I.

Peace will come when people live
In friendship, side by side,
And cherish understanding
More than hatred, greed and pride.

Peace will come when people see
All people as the same,
And no one has to live in fear,
In ignorance, or shame.

Peace will come when people
Who are needy can reach out
For shelter, food, or love,
And no has to do without.

Peace will come when people
Learn to listen and to care
About the rights and dignity
Of people everywhere.

Peace will come when love and trust
And kindness know rebirth,
And on that day all people
Will rejoice in peace on earth.

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