My father. Army.
My brother, Rick. Marine Corps.
My brother, Dean. Air Force.
As is the custom around the country, today our town honored our Veterans at a special Veterans Day ceremony at our town's cemetery. It is always held at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.
My husband was honored to offer the invocation and benediction. These were his prayers.
Invocation
On this Veterans Day 2010, we come together in the Name of Jesus to this place of remembrance for our Veterans both alive and deceased.
O God, may we not confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day for we have amongst us some tremendous Veterans that we commend for their faithful and courageous service.
I pray for those men and women of the Armed Forces past, present, and future.
I ask God to protect them as they have protected us, to defend them as they have defended us, to encourage and strengthen them. I pray that You, Almighty God, would keep them mentally and physically strong. O God, enrich them spiritually to be able to handle and cope with both life and death.
These great people have fought in distant conflicts and wars, pursued peace; they have protected borders or served here at home -- all to safeguard and defend the democracy forged in these United States 234 years ago.
On this Veterans Day and every other day, we salute them and extend our thanks. We ask our God to smile upon each of you and your families. I ask the Sovereign Lord to heal your body, mind, soul, and spirit. May He remind you that your service has not been in vain.
It is with deep gratitude and thanks that we recognize this day as Veterans Day 2010. We, the people of Paso Robles, California salute, honor, and respect each of you.
In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Benediction
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth,
As we bring this ceremony to a close, cause each of us to not forget these awesome Veterans. Again I ask for supernatural peace to rest upon each of them. As long as we have faithful and courageous citizens like these, America will remain free.
We ask that You bless our Veterans today who have served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and other conflicts and places around the world.
These Veterans have laid down and invested their lives for our freedom. O God, bring America back to gratitude and giving these men and women a hero's welcome and the respect they deserve.
I pray for the upstanding, well-balanced Vet as well as the ones struggling on the streets and living under the bridge.
Lord, we pray for the Veteran located in the highest point in North America, Mt. McKinley, to the lowest in North America, Death Valley. We pray for Your presence too be real in their lives.
Thank You, Lord, for the two greatest Veterans who brought America to freedom -- the U.S. Military and Your Son, Jesus. One fought for our freedom here and the other paid for our eternity.
So, we say "thank you" to our Veterans and we bless them in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Enjoyed coming to catch up on your blogposts! It's been a busy week here! Deeply meaningful prayers! Thanks for sharing them. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful words... from what undoubtedly is a beautiful man of God. I was blessed just as much as if I had been there to hear your husband in-person, Dorothy. God bless you both. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Grandpa and Uncles!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to post a link on FB!