O Author of Life and Death,

As we enter into this Memorial Day weekend, we remember the men and women who have fallen in defense of our nation.

In 1863, as America was at war with itself, President Lincoln eulogized our soldiers in what would become known as the Gettysburg Address. His words apply not just to those who died then, but to all of our soldiers who have fought for our ideals since our nation’s founding.

He said: “From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

May the memories of our soldiers always give us the courage and the inspiration to cherish and protect that for which they fought to protect, and may we never take for granted the high price of freedom. May this be God’s will--AMEN.