MEMORIAL
DAY 2015
Invocation
Almighty and eternal God, we
gather today to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our county
and its ideals of liberty and justice for all.
As we remember those men and women who fought and died for us, we know that
our freedom has not been granted to us by any human authority, and we believe
that “all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator by certain
unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness” as the Declaration of Independence says. And so we begin today by acknowledging that
you are the “Author of Liberty: even as we remember those who have defended our
liberty in the heat of battle.
We come before you today remembering as well that you are a
God who rules over all the nations. Even
as we pray for our own country and speak of our love for our own native land,
we know that you judge all the nations with equity, caring for people on every
continent, and desiring peace and respect in the community of nations. You are lord of all.
Nevertheless, today we are gathered to honor our own. We remember with grateful hearts those who
fought for us over the 239 years of our independence, whose mortal remains rest
in our local cemeteries, in our national cemeteries, in cemeteries overseas,
and sometimes in places unknown. Make us
truly grateful for what they have given in defense of our land and of liberty,
and determined that “government of the people, by the people, and for the
people shall not perish from the earth” as President Lincoln said at the
dedication of a battlefield cemetery in 1863.
Amen.
MEMORIAL DAY 2015
Benediction
Almighty and eternal God, as
we conclude these ceremonies, we pray that the sacrifices made in defense of
liberty will not be in vain. Grant that
we will dedicate ourselves to the defense of freedom in our day, and that we
will build a nation where the rights and freedom of all people will be
respected and the rule of law will be upheld for every individual, no matter
who they are. May we leave this place
dedicated to the defense of liberty and the equal protection under the law.
Today as we remember those who experienced the curse of
war, grant us the blessings of peace, as we recall the scripture that says,
“blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” We want to be sons and daughters of God who
enjoy your blessings here on this earth and forever in heaven.
As we face the future, we pray for those who rule over us
in government, that you will grant them wisdom, strength, and courage as they
make and administer the laws. We pray
for our president and congress, for our governor and legislature, including our
own state representative who is with us today, our mayor and city council, and
all the members of the judiciary. May
their work create a brighter future for all of us.
And finally, bless all of us, O Lord, on this day of solemn
remembrance, and on every day of the year.
AMEN .
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