starting small - day 2: remembering our heroes



May 29th, 2017 - This is the second day of a 40 day blogging challenge: some pictures and words each day. Come back soon to see more posts!

~~~

 Today we take the time to remember those who have selflessly offered their lives in the service of our Country. Blessed Memorial Day!  

 Gracious God, on this Memorial Day weekend,          
we remember and give thanks          
for those who have given their lives          
in the service of our country. 
When the need was greatest,          
they stepped forward and did their duty         
  to defend the freedoms that we enjoy,           
and to win the same for others.  

 O God, you yourself have taught us          
that no love is greater than that          
which gives itself for another. 
These honored dead gave the most precious gift they had,            
life itself,           
 for loved ones and neighbors,            
for comrades and country – and for us.  

 Help us to honor their memory         
by caring for the family members         
they have left behind, by ensuring that their wounded comrades        
are properly cared for, by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms      
 for which they gave their lives, 
and by demanding that no other young men and women        
follow them to a soldier’s grave      
 unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just.  

 Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free.            
There are times when its cost is, indeed, dear.            
Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a price                 
to ensure that freedom would be our legacy.  
Though their names may fade with the passing of generations,            
may we never forget what they have done. 
Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice...           
 {J. Veltri, S.J.} 

“Since it is so likely that (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.” {C.S. LEWIS} 


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