Lord,
your people have many different ideas, views and opinions
about the military, armaments, war and peace:
some are hawks, ready to wage war in your name
others are pacifists, doves,
- all to the same name loyal...
But this weekend, Lord, we put labels away
to pause and remember in prayer
more than 1,300,000 women and men,
who gave their lives for freedom's sake
paid for at so dear a price...
While some of these are family, Lord,
most were -and are- unknown to us,
nameless strangers, bound as kin
by a common homeland, a shared history
and the earnest hope that generations yet to come
will know the freedom and the peace
for which they gave their lives...
Whatever I think of armies and wars
I must give thanks this weekend, Lord,
for those who gave, gave all they had
to defend, protect and save
the land, the home, the life
that's mine today...
Protect us, Lord, while we're awake,
and watch over us as we sleep
- especially those who keep vigil for our safety -
that awake we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
(Tonight's music is instrumental, John Williams' Hymn to the Fallen, from the soundtrack of Saving Private Ryan. This video presentation offers images and photographs of some of "the fallen" who gave their lives for us through the course of American history. The music and the images make for a soul stirring time of prayer and reflection...)
Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams
If a video doesn't appear below, click here!
Thanks for reminding us of all our fallen soldiers.
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