Greetings to all my shipmates, I was asked to provide a prayer for the Pittsburgh Breakfast clubs Memorial Day Ceremony. As I was watching live it locked up as my part started. I did receive notice from others across the country that they restarted and all went well. I have however posted my remarks and prayer here for all to see if you were unable to watch..
As the National Chaplain of the United States Submarine Veterans and the Chaplain of the Requin Base located here in Pittsburgh I am honored to represent the Officers, men, and women of the submarine service. I offer the prayers and gratitude of my brother and sister submariners and submarine veterans in this recognition of Memorial Day. I am thankful for the opportunity accorded to me to give this prayer in honor of our men and women of the armed services who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
President Ronald Reagan once stated that “I have no illusions about what little I can add to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them. Yet we must try to honor them—not for their sakes alone but for our own. And if words cannot repay the debt, we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice”
Let us pray:
Gracious, Sovereign God, The Eternal and Almighty Lord of nations,
On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect upon our many blessings as a nation and the incredibly high cost and ultimate sacrifice of those blessings for many. Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country, for opportunities to flourish, and for the security of our land. We come here today to pay tribute to our brothers and sisters who made that ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation. Thank you for a day set apart that we may reflect on this sacrifice and for our solemn remembrance as we consider the cost of so many in our military.
We lift the families of those who have given their lives in service to our nation in prayer. May they be comforted in their hearts. May they be reassured that the sacrifice of their loved ones contributed to a worthy cause. May they be proud of those who have paid the ultimate price for us, entrusting their fate into your gracious hands. May they understand the gratitude of our country for their loved one’s lives.
Hear our prayers for those who are in harm’s way in the various Services, who have placed the welfare of others ahead of their own, for those who have written a Check to the United States for the amount up to and including their lives, and give us hearts as generous as theirs. May you bare your arm before them, may your hedge of protection be around them, and may your hand of blessing be upon them. Give great strength to the families of these service members and bless them mightily. Hear our prayer for those who have given their lives in the service of others and accept the gift of their sacrifice. Does not your word teach us that
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
We remember with great compassion and heavy hearts those who have recently lost loved ones that were in the service to their country while in combat. Comfort those who grieve the loss of these loved ones and this day let your healing begin and let this be the hope in their hearts.
We ask for your Mercy, Comfort and Grace to shine upon those of us who remain behind as we look for your renewal in our lives for you are the Healer of Broken Hearts. We Pray for these things in YOUR Precious Name.
AMEN
May you have a blessed day and take the time to reflect on the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters. God Bless you all.