Memorial Day Invocation -- May 25th, 2011Reverend Cynthia Alloway, Presbyterian Church in Morristown
I am thankful to be here representing the Morristown Area Interfaith Clergy Council. As clergy leaders we hope to inspire all of us in this community and beyond to do what we can as faith congregations and as individuals - to support those who serve and protect our country and their families. - I am also the proud mother of an active duty Coast Guard helicopter pilot who is serving in California.
Today, I am also personally commemorating in my heart - my three brothers who served in the Vietnam War in the Navy; one of whom came back 100% mentally disabled. All who have served or have family members who presently serve know the daily anxiety and proud honor that goes along with sacrificing for our country. Answering the call to serve continues to be a brave, honorable and noble way to live and to die. So let us pray a blessing on this important Memorial Day service.
Loving Creator, we ask for your blessing on this Memorial Day program. Remember your children in all the branches of the military - those who have lost their lives while serving our country and those who currently serve. Holy God, there is no one here who hasn’t had a soldier in the family or as a friend. All of us have been affected either in this generation or a previous generation by war.
We trust that you know and remember each of your children who have given of themselves for others. Our hearts deeply mourn the loss of those who were dear to us and we will miss them for the rest of our days. We thank you for the courage you gave each one to defend our freedoms. And today we especially pray for the family of Sgt. Ryan Dolzt. And all the families and friends of those who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, Libya, and all the other African countries at war this past year. Be with the families who mourn the loss of their loved ones and provide help to the innocent civilians caught in the midst of conflicts around the world.
Hear us as we pray for our nation, both its citizens and all our leaders in authority, that we may be a people living the love of God in peace with all, secure in the liberty which is our blessed heritage. Keep us mindful of our common duty to do what we are able to build up here and now the kingdom of God so all will live in harmony.
We pray for peace in the hearts of those who defend and have defended America, for those who have lost friends dear to them, and for those who are scarred mentally and physically by war. May your spirit motivate us in this community of Morristown to be ever more sensitive to the needs of our veterans and provide effective help to those who have sacrificed so much on our behalf. Guide us to see our world as one family of God, all of us are brothers and sisters who need one another to enjoy abundant life on this precious earth. We pray these things to you, our loving God of mercy, who is always with us, the one who created us and who loves us beyond all measure. Amen
