Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Contact
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Toggle search form
  • UN Special Committee on Israeli practices in occupied territories warns of a second Nakba  Arab World
  • Arab American community liaison Hassan Nijem, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta at the Arab American Heritage Month event hosted by Pappas’s office.
    Pappas honors Arab American business and community leaders for Heritage Month Activism
  • 04-28-25 Pappas Arab Heritage Month
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recognizes Arab American Heritage Month by honoring business and community leaders American Arabs
  • Stuffed Grape Leaves. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    A recipe on how to make Stuffed Grape Leaves with lamb, ox tail and rice American Arabs
  • Andrew Boutros, interim US Attorney Northern District of Illinois. Photo courtesy of the US Attorney's Office
    Andrew S. Boutros Takes Oath of Office as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois American Arabs
  • Israeli massacres of Palestinian civilians March 18 2025
    Palestinians demand investigation of Israeli war crimes in Gaza Strip Arab World
  • Illinois Muslim Action Day April 9 2025
    Illinois Muslim Action Day Policies at April 9 Statehouse News Conference American Arabs
  • Investigation demanded in March 23 massacre of 15 first responders by Israel's military in Rafah
    Investigation demanded into Israel slaughter of First Responder in Rafah on March 23, 2025 Arab World
  • More than a dozen candidates running for various local offices in the Chicagoland suburbs attended an Ifatr dinner Thursday, March 13, 2025 hosted by the Arab American Chamber of Commerce at the Jerusalem Banquet Hall in Bridgeview.
    Candidates promise fairness and engagement at Arab Chamber Iftar event March 13 Activism
  • Orland Fire Protection District, Fiscal Voices, receive endorsement of the Arab American Democracy Coaliton
    Independent candidates for Orland Fire receive Arab and Muslim American endorsement Activism
  • Partial Image from a video produced by the PASC called "Citizens Against Insider Politics". The video slandered Arabs and Muslims in Orland Park as being supporters of terrorism. The PAC receivced a major donation fromt he founder of Pete's Fresh Market which operate stores in two heavily populated Arab and Muslim communities, Bridgeview and Orland Park.
    CAIR-Chicago Denounces Growing Islamophobia in Southwest Suburbs, Calls for Hate Crime Investigation Activism
  • The Arab American Chamber of Commerce of Chicagoland and the Palestine Club are hosting a "Candidate's Iftar" on Thursday, March 13 beginning at 5:30 PM at Jerusalem Banquets, 8314 S. Harlem Avenue.
    Arab Chamber and Palestine Club host Candidate Iftar March 13 in Bridgeview Activism
  • Television set and remote. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
    MBC GROUP unveils MBCNOW, its brand-new groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator American Arabs
  • Mike Ghouse
    Celebration of 500th Interfaith Marriage Ceremony American Arabs
  • Orland Park activist Yousif Zegar addresses the Orland Park Village Board meeting on Feb. 5, 2024.
    All United launches to empower local community and drive political change American Arabs
Muslim veterans. Photo courtesy of Mike Ghouse

Muslims Pay Tribute to Veterans on Memorial Day 2017

Posted on May 29, 2017May 31, 2017 By Mike Ghouse No Comments on Muslims Pay Tribute to Veterans on Memorial Day 2017
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Muslims Pay Tribute to Veterans on Memorial Day 2017

By Mike Ghouse

You are invited to join us at the Arlington National Cemetery between 2:00 and 3:00 PM today, Monday, May 29, 2017 to pay tribute to our veterans. An annual tradition that I have been following for several years.

Mike Ghouse at Grand Praire National Cemetery
We at the Center for Pluralism will pay homage to our veterans on the memorial day by visiting the Arlington National Cemetery.  This year we are not organizing an event, but will pay a simple visit.

My Maternal Grandfather had brainwashed me that life becomes meaningful if you attend a funeral for each wedding you attend. Believe it or not, there is peace when you visit a cemetery. One nation under God will remain rhetoric, if we don’t act and feel a sense of oneness with fellow Americans.  At this moment in the history, the American Muslims, Hispanics, Blacks, LGBT community, the forgotten Americans and others are struggling to feel one with fellow Americans.

America is our home and we have to feel secure no matter where we live in her lap. To paraphrase Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), “A home is like a mother’s lap where the baby feels safe, and despite what goes on around her; the baby knows mother will protect her.” We should have faith in our constitution and the enduring American values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We have to invest our hearts, souls and minds in America.

Half of the battle involves shedding the victimhood and the other half through connecting with fellow Americans, particularly those who feel alienated.  We have to take actions to change how secure we feel about our homeland. This essay is about taking those steps to change the sense of in-alienation.

To quote Professor William James, “Actions seems to follow feeling, but really actions and feeling go together; and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling…”

Given the alienation Muslims and others may feel with the current political rhetoric, the Memorial Day facilitates an opportunity to bind with each other, and to be one with all.  It is an incredible feeling; it is like being in mother’s lap.

The freedom that you and I cherish did not come to us on a platter, and was not a given thing either; it was earned for us through the sacrifices of men and women who fought for it. It is particularly an important day for all the immigrants who enjoy the freedom and all the opportunities America offers, and owe that gratitude to our veterans.

The tradition of Memorial Day observance began after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and confederate soldiers who died in the civil war. Indeed, it was the civil war that abolished slavery, and was the stepping stone for passing the Civil rights Act of 1964 which allowed all immigrants to be equal citizens.

Bonding with fellow Americans

One of the greatest values about American culture is the amount of reverence given to the final resting place of our veterans. The Veteran cemeteries I have been to are usually in hills and valleys – a place of serenity and heaven on the earth for our veterans. Here is what I have done over the years.

Every Memorial Day the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) plant a flag in front of each grave marker in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. The flags represent our thanks for their service to our nation, the sacrifices they made and the blood they shed, regardless of their own backgrounds or faiths. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.)

On the Memorial Day in 2010, I drove from Louisville to Dallas, an 840 miles journey and stopped at every cemetery that was visible on the road side. I would recite a short prayer asking the creator to restore the balance on earth though forgiveness to those who have sinned and bring completeness to those who left incomplete transactions in life.  I particularly remember stopping at 4 national cemeteries, and there was one near Nashville on I-40 for the veterans, which was off the road, and I drove through a creek to get there and paid my homage to the men and women who died for my country’s freedom. It just feels good to be a part of the whole.

We acknowledge God as the sole creator and lord of the universe, and to him alone we worship and seek guidance, and ask him to help us guide on the right path. In the second supplication we ask God to forgive the ones who are alive, and the ones who are not, their parents, family, friends, believers and strangers.

This year I will miss visiting the National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, where my friend and father figure Mr. Everett Blauvelt is resting.  He served in the U.S. Navy off the coast of Brazil during World War II.  I will also be missing visiting the Islamic Cemetery in Denton, both in Texas to pay homage to my late wife Najma she passed away a decade ago.

Every cemetery I spot on the Memorial Day, I pull over and silently pray. Praying for the unknown connects you with the unselfish-self in you, giving a sense of oneness that is hard to explain. Try it and see how good you feel about yourselves and how you will develop a sense of bonding with fellow Americans – visit a cemetery, eventually we all have to go there.

Dear God, I thank you for the life and the freedom you have given me and my fellow humans,  and I thank all those who have sacrificed their lives for me to have this freedom to stand freely and pray here today.  I salute our men and women in the uniforms for protecting and defending our freedom. Amen.

Of the many things that brings serene happiness to the soul is the expression of gratitude  Thanks to our soldiers who fought in the wars to preserve that freedom for us, and the least we can do is honor them. If you see men and women in the uniform, please let them know that you appreciate them.

God bless America!

Mike Ghouse is committed to build a cohesive America where no American feels alienated.

newswire info
  • About
  • Latest Posts
Mike Ghouse
Mike Ghouse
Writer, blogger, speaker at Center for Pluralism
Mike Ghouse is a blogger and writer and professional speaker advocating moderation, Interfaith relations and addressing Islam, Israel, India and Human rights. He is committed to building a cohesive America, and is a born conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day, he has a strong national TV, Radio, web and Print Media presence. Mike's work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and his daily blog is http://www.TheGhouseDiary.com
Mike Ghouse
Latest posts by Mike Ghouse (see all)
  • Whats the American Muslim Agenda? - February 12, 2019
  • Muslims for America Since July 4, 1776 - June 29, 2017
  • Eid Al-Fitr Ramadan Sermons to focus on building a Secure Cohesive America - June 25, 2017

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
American Arabs, Bloggers, Commentary, Mike Ghouse, Opinion Tags:Arlington National Cemetery, Center for Pluralism, Memorial Day, Mike Ghouse, religion News, Veteran's Memorial

Post navigation

Previous Post: Photos: Muslims celebrate Ramadan in Gaza Strip
Next Post: USS Liberty Remembrance Day Invitation To: POTUS, Congress, New York Times and YOU

Related Posts

  • Ilhan Omar Becomes First Somali Arab-American To Win Minnesota Congressional Primary
    CAIR slams CNN Contributor for hate-driven criticism of Congresswoman Omar American Arabs
  • Belgian official reviews Gaza humanitarian crisis Arab World
  • 10 Days at Amrit Yoga Institute and Missions from God Bloggers
  • Can there be Middle East peace? Arab World
  • Hamas Israel Ceasefire International Court and Palestinian Resistance Unity Arab World
  • Dems Must Debate Israel’s WMD and Vanunu’s Human Rights American Arabs

More Related Articles

Muslims at a mosque in Paris, France, in the wake of the recent elections betweenEmmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen. Photo courtesy of Abdennour Toumi Political Tsunami in France, how to stop the waves Arab World
Ramadan US Arab Radio wishes everyone a Happy Ramadan American Arabs
Where is the “Arab World” when it comes to killings in Palestine? Arab World
36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chairman of the City Council Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development Racist targeting of Arab businesses by Lightfoot administration to be probed by City Council hearing American Arabs
American Hypocrisy at its worst at the UN Security Council. Evan Schneider. Photo courtesy of the United Nations Accurate look at UN Human Rights, devoid of Nikki Haley’s racism American Arabs
Webb discusses candidacy for 10th Ward Chicago alderman American Arabs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Ray Hanania's 4 times a week columns at https://RayHanania.com at Substack

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Photo courtesy of Journalist Abdennour Toumi
    France: Political Compromise vs Political Instability
    August 28, 2024
  • Zakia Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia
    Arabs eat Middle East food like they are making love
    June 27, 2024
  • Zwar lamb kabob and kufta with white and yellow rice
    Zwar ranked the Best Middle East restaurant in Chicagoland suburbs
    June 8, 2024
  • Pictured: Rahm Emanuel, Afghan activist Salman Aftab who was co-chair of the Iftar dinner, and several non-Arab Muslim leaders. Also pictured is Ald. Joe Moore. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania for Arab News
    Comprehensive look at the failings of former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
    January 18, 2024
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Arab American community liaison Hassan Nijem, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta at the Arab American Heritage Month event hosted by Pappas’s office.
    Pappas honors Arab American business and community leaders for Heritage Month
    April 29, 2025
  • 04-28-25 Pappas Arab Heritage Month
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recognizes Arab American Heritage Month by honoring business and community leaders
    April 27, 2025
  • Mike Ghouse
    Celebration of 500th Interfaith Marriage Ceremony
    February 14, 2025
  • Arab American Democracy Coalition logo 2025
    AADC to host annual candidates’ Forum & Brunch Sunday at Nikos in Bridgeview
    February 11, 2025

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • NEWS
  • UN Special Committee on Israeli practices in occupied territories warns of a second Nakba 
    May 9, 2025
  • Arab American community liaison Hassan Nijem, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta at the Arab American Heritage Month event hosted by Pappas’s office.
    Pappas honors Arab American business and community leaders for Heritage Month
    April 29, 2025
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Faisal Abbas Book Anecdotes
    Book Review: Arab author shares his anecdotes living in the United Kingdom
    October 22, 2024
  • Columnist Ray Hanania at the ADC Convention in Dearborn with the author Susan Abulhawa
    Book Review: Mornings in Jenin bySusan Abulhawa
    September 14, 2024
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Television set and remote. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
    MBC GROUP unveils MBCNOW, its brand-new groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator
    February 24, 2025
  • ArabCon 2024 Gala Program features Dr. Cornel West, Macklemore, and more
    September 6, 2024
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2025 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme