THE PERFECT TRIBUTE: by Anna Mancini

          I remember from my early school days a story about Abraham Lincoln and his delivery of the Gettysburg Address. Being too lazy to take the time to confirm this story, I, nevertheless, share it with you. After Lincoln finished his speech, the crowd that had assembled remained silent -not a sound, not a movement from anyone. While studying this at the time, my teacher explained that the words and feelings expressed were so moving that no one, even if he or she could, wished to intrude on this special moment; speaking or applauding would somehow diminish the eloquence of what they had just heard.

          Yours truly witnessed a similar happening at the end of the 11:00 A.M Mass on Sunday, November 11, 2007, which included a dedication to all our men and women serving in the armed forces. In praying for the various intentions of our community, the names of all our parishioners serving in the various parts of the world were read, after which Deacon Fitzpatrick read the words on a large plaque, signifying that the church of SS. Cyril and Methodius would always keep them in our prayers and love. This was then placed on a table near the altar, where hats of the specific military unit were displayed. Well, you can just imagine what my emotional spirit was experiencing at that moment.

          But wait - it continues! Because of a last minute commitment, but still wanting to visit with members of the various ministries who were in the church auditorium, I took advantage of the few minutes I would save by walking to the back door, near the breezeway, after receiving Eucharist. I closed my eyes and silently thanked Jesus for the gift of Himself, after which I opened my eyes and saw the few remaining communicants returning to their seats. One in particular caught my eye as he, with the help of a cane, was walking toward me to his pew. It was then I saw the Purple Heart pinned to his lapel! I didn't think my emotional spirit could take anymore and that's when I felt my eyes mist up.

          But wait - it continues! At that moment, the choir began its meditation hymn, "God bless America" - oh, the tears were pretty close - and when one by one, two by two, groups of four and five, "till finally the entire congregation stood in respect of these words, joining their voices with the choir - well, needless to say, yours truly lost it!

          But wait - it continues! When the song ended, when the applause ended, in the silence of that moment, a young man standing near me walked over to the elderly gentleman sporting the Purple Heart and shook his hand and then... and then, in a Perfect Tribute, the young man saluted the elderly gentleman, who, with a shy smile on his face, returned the respectful gesture.

Praise God!