Monday, May 30, 2016

On this Memorial Day

        On this Memorial Day 
     Grant peace to the souls 
     of all those soldiers who died in war. 
     We remember the tears and grief of their families, 
     the pain of mothers, wives, husbands and children 
     Who lost precious loved ones. 

     To build a meaningful memorial to them, 
     we ask God to give us all the will 
     to work for peace around the world, 
     so no more sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, or mothers 
     are slaughtered by the guns and bombs of war. 
      
     We ask Mary, who held the lifeless body of her son 
     and was pierced by the sorrow of his suffering and death, 
     to grant us the compassion and wisdom to affirm life 
     and honor the dead through forgiveness and peace-making. 
     
     May God have mercy on the souls of the departed. 
     Grant them peace, O Lord. 
     
     May we have mercy on the living. 
     Grant us peace, O Lord.
     In your name, we pray. 

     Amen. 

Poem source
Image source:  Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, 
overlooking Omaha Beach, Colleville-sur-Mer, 
Normandy, France

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