Kittson County Veterans Memorial Dedication Prayers

VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION – INVOCATION

Pastor Gary L. Halverson

June 14, 2015 Lake Bronson, Kittson County, Minnesota

 

Almighty and eternal God, we gather today along the banks of a river which drains most of our county in its three branches.  We are here to dedicate a memorial to the veterans from Kittson County who have served our nation in times of crisis and of calm.  We are reminded of the hymn that says, “time like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away; they fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day.”  Today we gather along this stream determined that these veterans shall not be forgotten by us who have benefited from their service and their sacrifice.  As long as this monument stands, they will be remembered.

          We begin this ceremony today by acknowledging, again quoting the hymn, “Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting thou art God, to endless years the same.”  Amid all the changes of this life, we know that you are the one constant source of hope and healing in this world.  As these veterans called upon you for help during their years of military service, we call upon you today.   As they sought your presence and your power to sustain them when the dark clouds of war were on the horizon, we seek your presence, your power, and your peace on this beautiful day in this peaceful setting.

          We ask you to bless this memorial, bless this dedication ceremony, and bless this land that we call home.  AMEN.

VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION – BENEDICTION

Pastor Gary L. Halverson

June 14, 2015 Lake Bronson, Kittson County, Minnesota

 

Almighty and eternal God, as we conclude these ceremonies, we once again call upon you to inspire us to remember those who have served our nation in the Armed Forces.  It is their service, their sacrifice, and their dedication to God and country that makes this a sacred place.  We pledge to remember them and honor them by re-dedicating ourselves to the principles upon which this Republic was founded: one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.

          And we ask you to guide us and our political leaders to the best ways to care for our wounded veterans today, and the best ways to care for the widows and orphans of our veterans.  We know that our duty to our them does not end with the conclusion of their military service.  And we know that we must honor them with more than words spoken or carved in stone.

          And so as we go from this place today, guide us as we strive to make this nation worthy of their service and sacrifice.  On this Flag Day we pray that the star spangled banner that Betsy Ross first stitched, that Francis Scott Key saw flying over Baltimore some 200 years ago, and that flies over this memorial will always wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave.  AMEN.