Q: I have had several requests to use the song, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, as a hymn and a choral piece this year at the weekend liturgies since November 11th (Veterans Day) is a Sunday this year.
I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter.
Thank you.
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A: The Battle Hymn is included in some hymnals. Its lyrics are inspired by scripture. It can be used effectively. On the other hand, it stirs a militant spirit in some people, a mood that can be at odds with the Sunday eucharist. Its usage is a judgment call. I would not rule it out, but you will have controversy whether you exclude or include it in worship.
Overall, I think that it is appropriate to incorporate a remembrance of occasions like Veterans’ Day into the liturgy in some way. The most obvious vehicle for this is the Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful), which entered the post-Vatican II mass precisely to provide a venue for local prayers. You can skillfully craft one or more intentions that will attract more universal appeal to the worshiping congregation than the Battle Hymn alone can do.