[StBernard] A Memorial Day Prayer from Autom

[Westley Annis]

As We Remember Those That Protect Us, On Memorial Day And Always... 


Dear Heavenly Father, 

We gather together this day as one nation to remember, reflect upon, and
honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for America and for us.
Bless all who have fallen in the cause of freedom and liberty, and grant
them eternal rest with You. 

We remember also our brave men and women now serving in our Armed Forces,
who are defending us from harm and injustice both at home and abroad. 

Dear God, send out Your angels to protect them all. Help them discharge
their duties honorably and well, and please bring them safely home to their
families, their loved ones, and to us, whom they have served so selflessly.
Please bring Your peace and mercy to our troubled world. 

We ask this, Father, in the name of Jesus, Mighty Warrior and Prince of
Peace. Amen. 


Poem

History of Memorial Day:
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for
those who have died in our nation's service. The first state to officially
recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all
of the northern states. It is now celebrated by all 50 states on the last
Monday in May with the passing of the National Holiday Act of 1971. 	Take
a Moment to Reflect and Pray:

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day,
the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December 2000
asking all Americans at 3 p.m. local time "to voluntarily and informally
observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from
whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps'." 

Other Ways to Observe This Day: 

*	Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our
fallen heroes. 
*	Visit local memorials. 
*	Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. 
*	Fly the POW/MIA Flag
*	Pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen
soldiers, and to aid the disabled veterans. 

On behalf of our Autom family we wish you a Blessed Memorial Day!