O God of all the ages, as we gather here this Memorial Day weekend, to remember and honor the heroes of our past and our present, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women serving in our armed forces at home and abroad. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty. And when they return to their homes, guide them as they reconnect with their family and their community. Help us remember our civic duties and honor the freedoms won for us that we may be faithful in that trust to guard and protect them for all the people of this land and for the generations to come. Grant this our prayer in your most Holy Name. Amen.
Benediction
ALMIGHTY God, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. We particularly remember those men and women who laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to those who are commemorated on these memorials and those in our hearts, your mercy and the light of your presence. And give, O Lord, to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will and that we may walk away from this place today, grateful for what has been given to us. Grant this our prayer in your most Holy Name. Amen.
(both adapted from other sources) - Recited after the 2012 Memorial Parade of Monroe
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