Holy Rosary Church rededicates war memorials
Holy Rosary Church-St. Oscar Romero Parish in Muse honored the community’s veterans with a rededication ceremony of the World War II and U.S. Veterans monuments on Memorial Day.
The monuments were relocated to a plaza adjacent to the church parking lot to “serve as a daily reminder of (veterans’) service and sacrifice,” said Garrett Andrae, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 3291 St. Oscar Romero Parish.
Etched into the honor roll monument – which was commissioned by the United Mine Workers of America Local 5600 in 1948 – are the names of 407 local World War II veterans, including seven women who served during the war.
Eight names on the monument are marked with a star to indicate the soldier died during the war, or later from injuries sustained in the war.
The ceremony included a roll call to honor those fallen soldiers and a blessing of the memorials by the Rev. George DeVille of Holy Rosary Church.
Andrae also noted the number of multiple surnames found on the monument.
“They’re likely brothers, cousins, or other families, but they all served during the war. And it just reminds us of how massive WWII was, and how much our ancestors sacrificed to help secure victory in that war,” said Andrae. “As a parent, I cannot imagine the anxiety and worry those families endured throughout the war, praying each day for the safe return of their loved ones.”
For years, the monuments were located in front of the church hall, which sat across the road from the church until it was sold.
The Rev. Thomas Gillespie, pastor of St. Oscar Romero and a U.S. Army veteran, suggested the monuments be relocated to ensure the church could continue to care for them.
The church plans to install a plaque at the new plaza commemorating veterans from the community who served in other wars.
Michael McLaughlin, financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus, prayed for comfort for those families who have lost loved ones while serving in the military.
“Comfort the families who continue to mourn their loss, strengthen all who serve in the military today, and guide the leaders of our country with wisdom and justice,” said McLaughlin. “Help us never to take for granted the blessings purchased at such great cost and inspire us to live with compassion, integrity and a commitment to peace among all people.”