US Nuclear Lab Worker Skeletonized, Grisly Gunshot Wound

​2. Remembrance Rides and “Pilgrimage” Walks
​In North America, many veterans view the journey to major memorials as a modern-day pilgrimage.
​Rolling Thunder / Run for the Wall: These are massive motorcycle “pilgrimages” where veterans and supporters ride across the country to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C. to honor POW/MIA soldiers.
​The Black Flag: You will often see the POW/MIA flag (the silhouette of a soldier in front of a guard tower) flying along these routes or carried by walkers on long-distance charity treks. It serves as a “shrine” on wheels or on foot, marking the path with the promise: “You Are Not Forgotten.”
​3. Historical Military Pilgrimages
​Historically, after major wars (like WWI and WWII), “Gold Star” families and veterans would undertake pilgrimages to overseas battlefields and cemeteries (like the American Cemetery in Normandy).
​For those whose loved ones were MIA, these trips were the only “funeral” they ever had.
​Sites like the Walls of the Missing at overseas military cemeteries act as the final “station” of a pilgrimage for these families.
​4. The “Soldier’s Saint”
​Saint Anne, as the patron saint of sailors and protector of travelers, has a specific connection to those in peril.
​Protection in Captivity: Historically, soldiers facing the threat of capture or those in dangerous territory would pray to Saint Anne for a safe return.
​The Return Home: The pilgrimage to her shrine is often seen as a “homecoming” ritual. Veterans who returned from war often made the trip to Beaupré to give thanks for their lives, while others went to pray for those who never made it back.
​Summary of the ConnectionChristianity is declining the fastest in the United States, with the percentage of American adults identifying as Christian dropping from 78% in 2007 to 62% in 2024. Within Christianity, mainline Protestant denominations and Catholicism are experiencing the most significant losses, driven by younger generations leaving organized religion.

Pew Research Center
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Key Details on Religious Decline in the US
Overall Trend: The Christian majority is shrinking, with a 16-point drop in identification between 2007 and 2024.
Fastest Declining Sects: Mainline Protestantism (e.g., United Methodist, Presbyterian) and Catholicism have experienced significant drops in membership.
The “Nones”: The number of people identifying with no organized religion (“nones”) has grown significantly, increasing by over 90% in the past decade.
Generational Shift: Younger Americans are significantly less religious than their elders, with only 46% of young adults identifying as Christian compared to 80% of older adults.
Demographic Factor: The decline is heavily driven by older, highly religious cohorts passing away and being replaced by less religious younger generations.
Recent Stability: While the long-term trend is a sharp decline, some recent data suggests the rate of decline may have slowed or stabilized between 2019 and 2024.

Pew Research Center
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While Christianity is declining, it remains the largest religious group in the US, but projections suggest it could drop below 50% within a few decades if trends continue.