A prayer for Memorial Day

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the men and women who protect us and preserve Your gifts of life, country, and freedom at home and abroad, even at the sacrifice of their own lives. They and their families are the true heroes among us.

Today we remember all those who have laid down their lives so that we can continue to enjoy the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Let Your perpetual light shine upon them, and grant them eternal rest.

Please send out Your angels to protect all who serve our country, and keep us free from injustice and harm. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed at the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. On this day we honor all who have died in service of our nation.

Take a Moment to Reflect and Pray:

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December 2000 asking all Americans at 3 p.m. local time "to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps'."

Other Ways to Observe This Day:

• Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
• Visit local memorials.
• Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
• Fly the POW/MIA Flag
• Pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen soldiers, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Best wishes for a Blessed Memorial Day especially to our deployed Military and their families at home!