Memorial Day 2012

This was delivered at Howard Cemetery in Elma on Monday, 28 May 2012 as part of the town's Memorial Day observance.

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Psalm 124

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—
let Israel now say—
if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

On this day, we gather in this place to honor the blessed memory of those who have died in service to our great nation and to the ideals for which we stand. We stand in this place of rest, reminded of the fragility of life, of the end of us all. The graves of those who have gone before us remind us that we too shall some day join them in the earth, where we shall rest until our Lord returns on the Last Day to call His own to Himself in heaven.

On this day, we gather in this place to remember the sacrifices made by all those men and women who fought and died to save us from the terror that flies by night and the foe that crouches by day. We remember with thanksgiving those who have shown the ultimate love of their fellow man by laying down their lives for their friends and loved ones, even for their enemies.

On this day, we gather in this place to teach future generations about the sacrifices that our soldiers have made to preserve our way of life and our freedoms. We impart to our future the lessons of our past, that we may go forward into a more bright future.

Let us pray:

Lord God, O Lord of Hosts, You have sustained our nation in the past, and continue to bless us. We recall how so many have given their lives for the cause of freedom. Men and women continue to sacrifice and serve in the Armed Forces.

We remember with thanksgiving the millions of Americans who have given, and still give so generously of their life and labor in times of conflict. We ask you to bless those left behind, those bereft by death, those family and loved ones separated by time and space from our soldiers and servicemen.

Gracious Lord, we give thanks for all whom You have called to be chaplains for our Armed Services. Give them strength, patience, and wisdom to deal graciously with those in the midst of war, to give those in such danger and need the blessings of Your Word and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.

O Lord of Hosts, commander of all the forces of heaven and earth, we ask that you would bless and defend all our military personnel and all who stand in harm's way for us. Bless, direct, and defend them from all harm and danger of body or soul. Bring us swiftly to the day when all warfare and violence shall cease and Your people shall live together with You forever; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Let us pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven

hallowed be Thy Name;

Thy kingdom come;

Thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.

May your help ever be in the Name of the Lord, who governs heaven and earth.

May you ever be strengthened in the hope of the resurrection to come.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face to shine upon you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you

and give you  peace. Amen.