Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is an American holiday to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U. S. Military. This day, started after the Civil War, has many traditions such as parades, memorial services often incorporating present military personnel and members of veteran’s organizations.

This week Prayer Offering is from Rev. Peter Gregory, Board Certified Chaplain (HR) , CDR CHC USN (ret), as a recognition of the men and women who have served our country.

From Rev. Peter Gregory:

In the Navy Marine Corps there is a tradition going back to the Revolution of prayers being offered every “taps” or lights out at 2200 (10PM) either at camp or at sea.  When I was attached to US Marine Corps Fleet response force in support of NATO operations in Bosnia Kosovo in 1998. This was the prayer I prayed to over 3,000 troops assembled before the landings on Bosnia.

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Lord God, bless and abide with us this day and night. Tomorrow, we face a determined force on contested ground.  Tonight, we pray for strength, courage and resiliency.  May fear not overtake us. May we keep faith with our creator God, may we keep faith with our brother as sister Marine and Sailor. May we keep faith to the lessons we have learned, and the country and people we have sworn to protect and lay down our lives if need be.  May we keep faith in you.  Search us O Lord, steel our hearts and souls for what is before us. May we not lose heart in the battle, and may we all come home once again, by your grace and will.  To those before us, to those among us, to those by our side. May we not prove unworthy of my brothers and sisters we land with tomorrow.

 

Amen