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| Joliet Herald News Headline - August 15, 1945 |
Embracing the Holiday Spirit: A Call for Peace
The holiday season has officially arrived, and with it comes the familiar wave of stress and anxiety. Each year, I find myself grappling with the challenge of gift shopping, overwhelmed by the crowds in stores and malls. I procrastinate, convincing myself that there’s still plenty of time. Yet, as the days slip away, so does my clarity, leaving me anxious about what to buy for those I cherish. Even more daunting is the question of what I want when asked by others. In past years, I felt lost, weak, and confused. But this year feels different—I finally know what I want for all of us.
A Moment of Reflection
A few days ago, on Thanksgiving Day, as I waited to head to our son Chris and his wife Kaleigh's gathering, I decided to tackle a long-overdue task: cleaning out a bedroom closet. Amidst a jumble of dust, old shoes, belts, and forgotten items, I stumbled upon a newspaper my parents had saved—a relic from August 15, 1945. The bold headline read “PEACE!”
That simple word sparked deep reflection. Those from my parents generation fought valiantly for four long years in Europe and the Pacific. The toll was staggering: over 38 million military personnel and civilians lost their lives in a conflict that was meant to be the war to end all wars. Yet here we are today—conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East; deep divisions within our own country. The path we tread seems fraught with turmoil and uncertainty. Perhaps if everyone could see that newspaper from 1945, we might recognize the direction we’re heading and find a way to heed John Lennon’s timeless call to “give peace a chance.”
Hope for a Better Tomorrow
I understand that envisioning peace in our times can feel daunting—just as it likely did in 1945. But if it was possible then, could it also be achievable now? Let’s hold onto that hope—for Jenya, Maksim, and Egor in Ukraine; for Israelis and Palestinians; for everyone around the globe, especially here in America.
There’s an old Christmas song that resonates with me: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” This year, that is my wish for Christmas—not just for myself but for all of us.
A Gift of Peace
As we celebrate the holidays, regardless of our faith or background, we can offer each other the most precious gift: understanding. A moment of genuine human connection. The seeds of peace.
Who knows? Maybe future generations will discover our legacy and realize that change is always possible, one small act of kindness at a time.
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