Richard Roberts
Every year, at the end of the month of May, America has set apart a day to remember the brave men and women of our armed services who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be free. President George W Bush once gave the following proclamation to commemorate Memorial Day:
“Every Memorial Day Americans remember the debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans who gave their lives for our country. On this important day, communities across our nation stop to remember and to honor the great sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.
Since its beginning, our country has faced threats that have tested its courage. From war-torn battlefields and jungle skirmishes, to conflicts at sea and air attacks, generations of brave men and women have fought and died to defeat tyranny and protect our democracy. Their sacrifices have made this nation strong and our world a better place.
The tradition of Memorial Day reinforces our nation’s resolve to never forget those who gave their last full measure for America. As we engage in the war against terrorism, we also pray for peace. When America emerged from the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln called on all Americans to ‘cherish a just and lasting peace.’”
First Timothy 2:1–2 NLT says, I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people… for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace. Let us not forget to pray for our leaders, for our armed forces, and for peace.