A Memorial Day Tribute with Prayers

Memorial Day, which began as Decoration Day for those who fought and died in the Civil War, has evolved into a day of remembrance for all the faithful departed.

As I participated in Holy Mass this morning, remembering all those who have served our country to defend our rights, some even unto death, I couldn't help but think of the many who have died in our country without even the basic right that we all are guaranteed by the founders in the Constitution -- the right to life; for without this right, we have no others.

Today, after Holy Mass, we prayed the rosary at the Knights of Columbus memorial for the unborn -- those who have been denied the right to life in the United States. We grieve their loss and we pray to them and for them for an end to the slaughter of innocents in our country today along with the many military men and women who, in imitation of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, have sacrificed their lives for us.

A Prayer for Memorial Day

Remember, Lord, the fallen
Who died in fields of war,
In flaming clouds, in screaming crowds,
On streets that are no more,
That we today might waken
And greet this day in peace
With grateful prayer for those who bear
The storms that never cease.

Remember friends and strangers,
And those forgotten now,
Whose names are known to you alone,
Before whose love we bow
And ask that you surround them
With mercy’s endless light
That they may live, and we forgive
The foe they went to fight.

Remember, Lord, the living,
Who bear the pain of loss
- A death she died who stood beside
Her Son upon the cross.
Remember all your children
The dead and those who weep,
And make us one beneath the sun
Where love will never sleep.

Text: 7686D; Genevieve Glen, OSB; © 2005, Abbey of St. Walburga, Virginia Dale, CO. Published by OCP Publications.

Prayer for the Deceased
May the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Prayer for the Unborn

Father of Life and Love, we thank you today that you have called us to share in the life of the one human family. We thank you for all our brothers and sisters, and ask You to deepen the bonds of love among us.

We thank you especially for our youngest and smallest brothers and sisters, those in the womb. Today, Oh Lord, we remember them, while so many choose to ignore and forget them. We remember those who are living, and commend them to Your protection. We remember those who have died and commend them to Your mercy.

We pray, Father, that we who are the living stones of the Church, may likewise be witnesses to the dignity of life. Give us the grace to confront the evil of abortion and eliminate it. May we see the day when all people will remember abortion only as a thing of the past, and may praise You forever for the victory of life. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.