On this day the United States officially pauses to remember the men and women who gave all they had for their country, their loved ones and their God.

No one wants to travel off to a strange and far away land just to die a violent death.  Young men and women of America have their own dreams and hopes.  They have loved ones, friends, and places back home that they love and miss.  Yet many have offered up the greatest sacrifice of all: their own lives, their futures, their cherished dreams.  And they did this so that many more would be able to live out long and prosperous lives in a land where everyone is free to chase after their own dreams.

I just hope that those of us who remain in this great nation will make it worth the price that so many have paid.  They have seen lands torn by every kind of war and hatred.  They walked streets that were not safe for anyone.  They took up positions of danger, fighting an enemy with faces unknown.  And they did this to help other people to have what we have, and to help keep safe the freedoms we already enjoy here in America.

We dare not forget the young lives taking their stand on far away battle fields today.   We dare not forget those who have already died in the fight for freedom and peace.  Many today are on duty, and many others are in training to join them.  Even the soldiers and military personnel  whose lives are not in immediate danger at this moment are sacrificing their own lives to keep a wall between destruction and the folks back home.  We who live in peace cannot go our way without acknowledging them.

Lord, You see all of us.  You know that none of us are more worthy of freedom or health or happiness or comfort or peace than any other soul on this earth.  You have allowed the United States of America to enjoy over 200 years of relative peace and safety as a nation.  it is only by Your grace that we stand.  I ask that You will keep guard over those who serve their nation today.  I pray for them and for all of their loved ones back home.  Keep them and save them all, I pray, from the tragic losses of war.

And I also pray for our enemies in many lands, that You will show them the value of peace and forgiveness and cooperation with their neighbors.  Father, I ask for peace and life for all people.  May You bring us into a place and time of universal joy and gladness, where no child is left without a father or mother, and where no human heart is left void of hope.

Lord, You are truly able.  May You truly be glorified in all things, forever.  I ask these things in Jesus’ Name.  Amen and amen.

Jim