“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” – James A. Garfield, May 30, 1868, Arlington National Cemetery
Let Us Pray:
God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,
that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters.
Keep in your mercy those men and women
who have died in the cause of freedom
and bring them safely
into your kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
< from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, via USCCB.org>
Today is a day we set aside to remember our fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It's a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in cemeteries across our country. It's a day to be with the family and remember.
“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.” – President Barack Obama
They did not forget their missing comrades, neither, ever, should we. We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance. We owe them a promise to look at the world with a steady gaze and, perhaps, a resigned toughness, knowing that we have adversaries in the world and challenges and the only way to meet them and maintain the peace is by staying strong. As they were.
Their courage is contagious. I can tell you from my own experience, When a brave man takes a stand on the battlefield, the spines of others are often stiffened. The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. And they who die for their country shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.
Today, we honor our dead. We honor their memory and sacrifice. We honor them for the love they showed for their fellow Americans. What can we do to thank these souls for their service?
Together let us pray a Rosary for their heavenly homecoming. God alone knows who among these brave men and women are still waiting for complete union with Him in eternity. With our Rosary prayers, our Lord is giving us a great opportunity to storm Heaven on their behalf, as they stormed beaches, deserts, and all manner of terrain on our behalf.
Our Rosary today begins with a special prayer asking God to release the holy souls of our military into Heaven.
With each decade of the rosary we will pray for a particular branch of service. Five branches, 5 decades. The rest of the rosary will be prayed in the usual fashion.
On this Memorial Day, there will be an ending prayer of thanksgiving to God for hearing our prayers, and for His sovereignty and love for these dear souls.
Rosary opening prayer
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, As Memorial Day approaches, our thoughts turn toward the many brave men and women of the Armed Forces who are now counted among the faithful dead, who gave of themselves to protect and serve the United States of America.
With this Rosary, we ask you to look with mercy upon all Holy Souls in Purgatory, especially those military souls. We ask you to complete the work of their purification, that they may soon enjoy total union with You and with the Saints in Heaven. For there is no greater human love than to lay down one’s life for a friend, and there is no greater Heavenly Love than to be united with You, Triune God, Who are Love, and the Source of all Love, in time and in eternity.
We pray especially for the souls of those who died in battle, that you will look kindly on the merits of their service “for God and country,” and that your mercy and justice would triumph, securing their purification and entrance into their Heavenly reward.
In praise and thanksgiving for your goodness and glory, we make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with You, in union with the Holy Spirit, reigns as King of the Universe, now and forever.
Amen.
<Begin the Rosary>
Begin with the First Mystery, and announce the following after the mystery: “With this decade, we remember the Holy Souls who served in the United States Army, especially those who have no one to pray for them.”
The Second Mystery: With this decade, we remember the Holy Souls who served in the United States Navy, especially those who have no one to pray for them.
The Third Mystery: With this decade, we remember the Holy Souls who served in the United States Air Force, especially those who have no one to pray for them.
The Fourth Mystery: With this decade, we remember the Holy Souls who served in the United States Marine Corps, especially those who have no one to pray for them.
The Fifth Mystery: With this decade, we remember the Holy Souls who served in the United States Coast Guard, especially those who have no one to pray for them.
Rosary closing prayer
Blessed are You, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his earthly life for us so that we may may have eternal life with You. We thank You for Jesus’ promise, that, “My Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:29) By this word we have confidence in Your power to save all souls, knowing that those for whom we prayed this Rosary are securely in your hand. We humbly ask for the grace of a sign that they are now united with you, Saints among the Saints in Heaven, enjoying this Memorial Day as the ultimate celebration, praising you in Heaven for all eternity. In Jesus’ Name, we give you our praise and thanks.
Amen