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‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day

News of the Diocese

May 30, 2022

‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day
‘Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior’ is theme of IWA Military Appreciation Day

Incarnate Word Academy in Parma Heights hosted its 13th annual Military Appreciation Day on May 27. This year’s event moved from the school to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. The theme was “Walk with a Warrior, Walk for a Warrior.” Those attending the event wore navy blue T-shirts with the logo and theme.

Stacey Shalala, an English teacher at IWA, coordinated the effort. Eighth-graders from Holy Trinity School in Avon were invited to participate in the event for the first time. Area veterans were invited, as were members of the Army National Guard and the Sisters of Incarnate Word, who sponsor IWA.

(See photo gallery above.)

A student-led prayer service began the event. The national anthem was sung by Maya Ciurcel and interpreted in American Sign Language by Claire Fenske. Lyla Patrick offered the opening prayer and welcome remarks. Maria Shrefler offered a reflection on patriotic holidays.

Sgt. First Class Ryan Acker and seventh-graders set the POW/MIA table, a poignant ceremony in honor and remembrance of all prisoners of war and those who are missing in action. The symbolism of the table was explained as they set a small table with a white tablecloth and added a single candle, a Bible, an inverted glass, a vase of flowers, a plate with a lemon and some salt. A chair was draped with a POW cover.

The prayer service concluded with Maria’s rendition of “Grateful Nation” by Caroline Eddy.

Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated the Mass with Father Vince Hawk, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish concelebrating. Deacon John Sferry, a Vietnam era veteran, assisted.

In his homily, the bishop told the students, teachers and chaperones that “peace is the fruit of justice.” Veterans who served their country in the military did so because they loved their families and their homeland, doing what they felt was needed to keep peace in our country and to protect their loved ones.

Justice is the result of a right relationship with God and others, the bishop said. “When those relationships are distorted, society loses its way,” he added.

He shared the story of Father Joseph Lafleur, a military chaplain in World War II who gave his life in service to his country, fellow men and God. He was captured in the Philippines in 1942 and did what he could to ease the suffering of fellow prisoners. In 1944, Father Lafleur and 750 other prisoners of war were forced onto a ship that would take them to camps in Japan. En route, a United States submarine attacked the ship, unaware that American prisoners were aboard.

Father Lafleur helped fellow prisoners escape the sinking ship, even as Japanese soldiers shot at them. His body was never recovered. He posthumously received a special citation in recognition of his bravery.

The Church is considering Father Lafleur’s cause for canonization, the bishop said.

“I don’t want to romanticize war,” he said, but we can be inspired by the sacrifices of others. We also honor those who gave their lives for others with the holy sacrifice of the Mass, he added. “Jesus already won the battle (against sin) for us, even though skirmishes with evil forces continue to exist in our world,” the bishop said. He noted that the cross is a symbol of the death of a man – also God – who gave his life to us and for us. “Jesus is our hope because he rose from the dead victorious over sin and death,” he said, adding death does not need to have the last word over us. Life after death is God’s plan for those who follow him from this world to the next. “Continue to follow Jesus – he is stronger than this world will ever be.”

Speaking to the students, the bishop told them there are people willing to give their lives for them, including parents, teachers and those who keep the peace in many ways such as the police and military. “Be grateful for them,” he said.

To the veterans at the Mass, he expressed appreciation for their service and sacrifice. “We continue to pray for a that time when we are able to live together in harmony with everyone in this world, which has the same God as our father, who calls his children to be kind to one another, with respect and with care.”

After Mass, the bishop greeted the students as they lined up, small American flags in hand, for an approximately three-mile walk around downtown Cleveland. The Cleveland Browns welcomed the group to FirstEnergy Stadium for lunch after the walk.

IWA was named a Purple Star School in recognition of its military friendly policies and its support for the military. Shalala spearheads the efforts.

“Ms. Shalala offers a number of meaningful opportunities throughout the school year for our students to connect with current and retired members of the military,” said Mike Wisnor, IWA president. “Our students gain a tremendous appreciation for our country, our first responders and those who serve in the military, thanks to Ms. Shalala,” he added.

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