MEMORIAL DAY!

Today our Nation pauses to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom!  Helen Steiner Rice has written "A Memorial Day Prayer"!

     "They Served and Fought and Died so that we might be Safe and Free,
Grant them, O Lord, eternal peace and give them 'the Victory.'
      And in these days of unrest, filled with grave uncertainty,
Let's not forget the Price they paid to keep our Country Free ---

      And so, on this Memorial Day, we offer up a prayer --
May the people of All Nations be United in Thy Care,
      And grant us understanding, and teach us how to live
So we may lose our selfish pride, and learn to love and give --

      And keep us ever mindful of the fighting men who sleep
In Arlington and foreign lands, so we may ever keep
      The 'Light of Freedom' burning in their honor through the years,
And hear their cry for Peace on Earth resounding in our ears --

      Forgive us our Transgressions, and 'Oh, God, be with us yet'
Lest in our Pride and Arrogance, we heedlessly Forget."

      Today, as we remember those who gave their lives in the service of our nation, let us join our voices in song, and sing from our hearts --

     "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing:
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
      From every mountain side, let Freedom ring!
   
Let music swell the breeze, and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song;
      Let mortal tongues awake; let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.

      Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of Liberty, to Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright with Freedom's holy light;
      Protect us by Thy might; Great God, our King!"

And all the people said, "AMEN"!