To all who have served in the armed forces of our country, I honor and thank you for serving. I honor you who have served in wars, you who have experienced the horror of war. I honor you who have returned from war wounded in body, mind, or spirit.
I honor your loved ones who waited, and worried, and prayed for your safe return. With them I join in thanksgiving for your return home.
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, I ask your blessing upon all veterans today. Pour out your love upon them and bring healing of body, mind, and spirit. Grant all strength and courage as they go forward, and, Lord God, give them comfort, consolation, and your peace that passes understanding to keep their minds and hearts.
O Judge of the nations, 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. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 839)
Thanks for your affirming comments!
ReplyDeleteEspecially for you, Mark, and all the veterans I know, as well as for the many I don't know.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
ReplyDeleteVery well put, Mimi.
Thank you for this, Mimi. I was fortunate to have served entirely in peacetime, but am nevertheless proud to call myself a veteran. And I am endlessly grateful to the women and men who have served, or are serving now, in harm's way.
ReplyDeleteJulie, the honor is mine to thank all of you for your service.
ReplyDelete