Lord, on this long weekend
we remember:
those who left home and family
to defend our nation’s welfare;
those who endured hardship and pain
that we might live in comfort;
those who laid down their lives
for our liberty and freedom…
So, on this weekend, Lord,
help us fret not too much about:
heavy traffic slowing travel;
our beer and wine supply;
good weather for our cookouts;
or the macaroni salad
that no one seemed to like…
Slow us down, Lord:
help us pause and pray,
ponder and remember
those who lived and died by your own words:
Greater love has no one
than to lay down one’s life
for love of friend and neighbor…
Help us, this weekend, Lord,
to revere and keep the memory
of those who loved us so…
Protect us, Lord while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
Many patriotic songs will be played and sung this weekend, but it’s not easy to find music that really fits Memorial Day’s original purpose: remembering those who have died in our nation’s service. Here’s John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen. It’s an instrumental piece with a choral background weaving its way through the listener’s heart -just right, I believe, for what this weekend is all about…
