The first official Memorial Day, on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., was celebrated by the placement of flowers on the graves of war veterans as a remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice made for their country. Today, we again remember and honor those whose lives were lost in service to our nation.
Prayer for Memorial Day
God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,
that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters.
Keep in your mercy those men and women
who have died in the cause of freedom
and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers
Image Credit: CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec
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