It’s not just about the parades and the cookouts and the day off work. It’s about what makes that luxury possible.
Somehow, though I have family and friends who are active military, I always seem to forget.
I think that must be why we stop and remember every single year. Because we forget so quickly, so easily, so often.
It’s easy to take this kick-back-and-relax weekend for granted. It’s easy to see it as the kickoff to summer, a time to do x, y, and z, a chance to hang out with family, but it’s more than that.
So today, in between your moseying around, pause with me and offer a prayer for those who have given their all for our country.
God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,
that we may all deserve to be called your sons
and daughters.
Keep in your mercy those men and women
who have died in the cause of freedom
and bring them safely
into your kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen
Thank you all we have served, are serving, and all those who died serving and their families and love ones. May God you all abundantly.