The 17th Annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day at Sarasota National Cemetery was celebrated to pray for all who serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who are on active duty, as well as those who have died, and their families.
More than 800 people attended the Mass which takes place in Patriots Plaza at the national cemetery on Nov. 11 each year. Bishop Frank J. Dewane initiated the Catholic Mass in 2010 just two years after the cemetery opened.
The main celebrant and homilist for the Mass was Father Bob Kantor, Diocese of Vencie Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, state chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, and a retired U.S. Navy Chaplain. Several concelebrating priests and deacons present were also veterans.
Father Kantor expressed how he was blessed and honored that Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., selected him to celebrate the Catholic Veterans Day Mass at the National Cemetery, having served during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
“The Mass on Veterans Day is honoring veterans and their families, committing to prayer for those both those who are living and the deceased who are represented by the tombstones here in this hallowed ground,” Father Kantor said. “We gather here in gratitude for those who served. To you, we say, ‘Thank you for your service, and thank you for your sacrifice.’”
A veteran is someone who stood the watch, and remained at their post, missing birthdays, holidays and other celebrations, Father Kantor said. Veterans Day was created to commemorate the end of World War I, in hope that war would never be allowed to happen again.
All who have served bear witness to humanity’s seeming inability to vanquish war because they too were called to service, Father Kantor said. His vivid memories of his duty in Afghanistan included witnessing horrors, but he also saw the American spirit shine forth, “to not only protect our nation and what we hold dear, but they also sought to bring about something better for people in those far away lands, respecting the dignity of people whose faith, even moral or ethics are different than ours. They do this not because who they are, but because who we are.”
Those who have served return home with wounds, both visible and invisible, transitioning from a condition of war to peace, some on the hallowed ground of the cemetery, all of whom whose memories endure in our hearts as the price of freedom.
Veterans Day prophetically falls on the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, a bishop who was a soldier who then dedicated his life to God. Father Kantor noted that the Saint’s life represented a transition from war to a condition of peace. Established as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, the day similarly marked a transition war to peace. The recognition was broadened to honor and thank all who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, becoming Veterans Day under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Father Kantor concluded, “May God grant eternal rest in peace to those buried here and a deep abiding peace to the hearts of veterans and all here present. May God bless you and our nation on this Veterans Day.”
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ret. Paul Brady was impressed by the Mass, saying it was a fitting way to honor all veterans because in 30 years of active duty around the world he witnessed firsthand the sacrifice servicemembers made every day, because “the price for freedom is high.”
Prior to the opening of the Mass, all veterans – active and retired – were asked to stand and be recognized and were honored with resounding applause. This was followed by the presentation of a commemorative wreath, the American and Vatican flags by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, and then the singing of the National Anthem.
Returning for the second year was the performance of selected patriotic music by members of the Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Symphonic Band from Sarasota.
The Sarasota National Cemetery celebration concluded with a procession, escorted by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps to the nearby graves as those in attendance sang “God Bless America.”
Father Kantor, priests, Deacons, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, and all present, then gathered in silent prayer before “Taps” was played on a trumpet by Cardinal Mooney student Molly Compa.
There are now more than 25,000 veterans and eligible family members currently interred in the National Cemetery and some 18.5 million military veterans in the United States.
The Diocese of Venice coordinates the Catholic Mass at the National Cemetery with the backing of the Knights of Columbus and is also grateful for the participation of Cardinal Mooney students and support of Sarasota National Cemetery.
During the Mass, the gifts were brought forward by Bill and Paula Cody, Bill having served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy.
