05/25/2026
Eternal Father, who alone rules the destinies of nations and who has deemed that men should live in freedom and not fear, awaken in us a new appreciation of our land that we may apply ourselves to the great work of keeping alive a sense of freedom.
Grant us your spirit as we honor those who have fought a good fight and finished the course. On this day we call to remembrance those who served in far-off places and have laid down their arms to march into that land of eternal peace.
We remember the sufferings, the fears, and the horrors of what they endured. It is a time for us to realize that much of our best blood has been spilled–all over the world–so that we might live free and unchained!
May they, and those who suffer wounds for peace, as well as their families who valiantly and silently also serve, receive rest from their struggles and a “well done “from you, Captain of their souls. Permit us never to forget our comrades-in-arms from whose fallen hands we have taken up the sacred cause of freedom.
Today, we consecrate unto you the debt of our national gratitude, which is their rightful due. Keep sacred their sacrifice in our hearts. Keep holy our course in your sight. Enkindle within us a flame of selfless unwavering devotion to duty that we may never be found wanting in those qualities of spirit and mind which alone are able to preserve hearth and home, the peace of our nation, and the tranquility of the world.
May the day soon come when we can lay down arms and more earnestly give our attention to do justice, to live in kindness, and to walk humbly in your sight. Amen.
