In Loving Memory

Brothers and Sisters, today we meet to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of Anakin Skywalker.

Anakin was born into extreme poverty to a single, slave mother.  With unknown paternity, there was little chance of rising above his circumstances.  But rise he did.  His great talent for pod racing captured the attention of the Jedi knights and earned his freedom from slavery.  He was old to begin training as a Jedi, but his obvious talent and determination let the council to make an exception. This same determination drove him through a remarkable life.

During the course of his training, he met a girl.  Not just any girl—a leader on her planet.  Padme Amidala was years older and miles ahead of him in social standing, but Ani let nothing deter him from his chosen path.  He grew to love her and, against the rules of the Jedi order and the traditions of her culture, they married in secret.  Believing it was the only way to save the life of his beloved wife, he turned to the Dark Side of the Force.

Anakin’s determination drove him to seek greater power, more learning, and better control over the Force he commanded so easily.  He sought teachers who could show him a side of the Force the Jedi Order would not show him.  After suffering life-threatening injuries in a volcano, Ani’s mentor, Darth Sidius, created a life support suit that would allow Ani to continue his studies.

Much of Ani’s long life was spent confined to this suit and in the company of Emperor Palpatine.  His actions were sometimes harsh, and many disapproved of his use of the Force, but none can deny his power was great.  His charismatic leadership helped cement the Empire and reduce the Jedi Order to a handful of knights. 

When Ani discovered his son, Luke, was a skilled pilot and Jedi Master, he began planning to take the young man under his wing, teaching his son to take a seat among the great leaders of the Empire.  A final encounter with Luke changed Ani’s heart and life.  Ani returned to the Light Side of the Force, using his great power and skill to overthrow the dark Empire and die as the Jedi he was destined to become.

Destroying the Emperor and returning to the Jedi Order confirmed the prophecy that Anakin Skywalker was, indeed, the Chosen One.  He died a Jedi, facing the light and prepared to join the post-mortal company of Obi-Wan, his old mentor in the Jedi Order, and Yoda, a Jedi Grand Master.

Brothers and Sisters, nothing is lost to Anakin.  He died well and valiantly, and was seen after death in the company of Jedi Knights.  His power, his legend, and his family will live on.  His children can hold their heads high, knowing they are progeny of this great man.  We are saddened at his loss just at the moment he returned to goodness, but we will allow his memory to live in our hearts and minds.  Our children will know his story, and their children, and their children after them.  Anakin will become legend, a fable of redemption and the power of good.

But today, he is simply our friend, and we will miss him.