God of peace<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We thank our nation\u2019s veterans<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For their contributions to the great goal of peace<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the challenging job we ask them to do on our country\u2019s behalf<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the difficult moral space we ask them to enter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the hardships they endure while they serve<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the pain some carry ever after<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We thank our veterans<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For what we asked them to give<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And what they freely gave<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And for what was taken from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, we offer them<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Respect and sympathy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Memory and gratitude<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honor and healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And for all of us, we ask, O God of peace, forgiveness<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That we are yet unable to make and keep the peace we seek<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That our world is again drawn into war and violence<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That division still rules our world and our hearts<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May the lives of the men and women we honor today<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be counted as steps toward the permanent peace<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We pray we may celebrate one day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"