REMEMBER

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. 

Rather, we should thank God that such men lived."  

~General George S. Patton

"A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure." 

~Abraham Lincoln

"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree." ~Thomas Campbell

*picture from http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com

Today we remember all those who fought and died defending our country. Let us remember and honor them. Don't forget that freedom isn't free. Their blood, their lives, their determination and strength has paid for our freedom. 

So let us thank them.

Never take for granted how blessed we are to live in the great United States of America. Let us pray for those living and deceased who gave their lives to protect 

our freedoms and our country.

*picture from http://www.366thspsk-9.com

These heroes are dead.  They died for liberty - they died for us.  They are at rest.  They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines.  They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest.  Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace.  In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death.  

I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: 

cheers for the living; tears for the dead.

~Robert G. Ingersoll

Cover them over with beautiful flowers,
Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours,
Lying so silent by night and by day
Sleeping the years of their manhood away.
Give them the meed they have won in the past;
Give them the honors their future forcast;
Give them the chaplets they won in the strife;
Give them the laurels they lost with their life.

~Will Carleton

*picture from http://boomersint.org

 Prayer for Memorial Day 

*prayer from http://scbpeoria.wordpress.com

Dear Heavenly Father,

With a sober heart we come before You this Memorial Day. We pause for a moment and call to mind all the men and women who have died in the service of our nation since 1776.

Dear God, please look with mercy on our brave and selfless brothers and sisters, who did not shirk from their task but gave themselves completely to the cause of defending and protecting us all. Bless all who have given their lives for the sake of liberty, and grant them eternal rest with You.

We remember also our brave men and women now serving in our Armed Forces, both at home and abroad. Dear God, send out Your angels to protect them all. Help them discharge their duties honorably and well. Please bring them safely home to their families and loved ones. Please bring Your peace and mercy to our troubled world.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.