Digital Marian Helper Winter_2019

Scripture passage from Numbers 21:5-9 about the serpent of bronze, a story about a devastated people who turn to God for healing. Since angels are mes- sengers from God, I figured why not facilitate the mes- sage of Divine Mercy b y means of an angel lifting a dead service member from the battlefield to Heaven? By elevating the service member, the angel directs the thoughts of those who’ve experienced the trauma of war to the mercy of God. That’s how healing can begin. Not that long ago, through the Providence of God, I received a startling confirmation of my vision. It came from the mouth of a young veteran at the Veter- ans Administration hospi- tal where I work. He was clearly agitated about a lot of things. He showed signs of suffering from PTSD. After I spoke with him about his deployment in Afghanistan, he shared with me how he had lost some close buddies to an IED. He paused. Struggling to get hold of his emotions, he finally burst into angry expletives. He lamented that there is no memorial that gives tribute to those who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I’ve searched parks, libraries, museums, and even went online,” he said. “There is nothing for us!” I couldn’t believe what he was saying. I got so excited. “Stay right here,” I told him. “Don’t go anywhere. I want to show you something.” I raced to my office to get my iPhone and returned to him to show him the pictures of the Guardian of Defenders Memorial that was being created at that moment. The veteran was absolutely awed. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His agitation disappeared, and he became peaceful. My vision was con- firmed! It became clear to me that we must bless the souls of these venerable warriors now, not years and decades from now! We pray that these great warriors find rest and re- ward for their sacrifice, ever reminded that we who are left behind cherish their spirit, honor their com- mitment, and value their heroic virtues. This memorial, I pray, will be a source of heal- ing through the mercy of God, for those loved ones left behind, all of us chaplains who served with them, and most especially the Gold Star families who continue to grieve. May Divine Mercy wash over these families, friends, and comrades in arms and give them strength to continue their lives with steadfastness, courage, and hope, knowing well the bond that can never be broken. Jesus, I trust in You! May this memorial always be a reminder so that we will never forget. Major Donald Van Alstyne, MIC, h as served as a U.S. Army chaplain in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and South Korea. He serves at Holy Rosary Parish and theWilm- ington VAMedical Center inWilmington, Delaware. Please consider making a donation The cost of the Guardian of Defenders Memorial, including funding for upkeep in perpetuity, comes to $600,000. Only 5 percent of the funds have been raised so far. Please visit GuardianOfDefenders.com to make a contribution to the memorial fund. 30 M arian H elper • W inter 2019-20 • marian . org