377th TSC Command Chaplain, Col. Robert Carter, gives Memorial Day invocation and benediction at Southeast Veterans cemetery.
Transcript
Hello. This is Chaplain Rob Carter, and I’m coming to you for prayers this Memorial Day from the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana. This is one of five veterans cemeteries here. Since 14 3614 dignified burials for veterans and their dependents have happened here, as stated in an article posted online about the director. All of the carrier that’s made possible here comes not just through the VA, but through the many groups that help support the veterans and their families. Abraham Lincoln’s quote resonates within this community: “To ease one another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” We know that Memorial Day is a time that we pause to remember those who are no longer with us who have given their lives so that we may live free. Let us take a moment now to pause for those who have gone ahead to repair places on the high ground ahead of us until we go to join them. Their fight here among us is done.
Gracious God, surround those who mourn the loss of their family members who have died in the service to our great nation, encourage them, walk with them honor their loss as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Prepare them for the challenges they had not expected to face without their loved one walking beside them. We know that you level the hills before us and make the crooked way straight so that we each can walk the path before us bring into their lives Sources of care that reflect the love that you have for each of us during this challenging time. Be with those supporting the fight against COVID-19. Strengthen them to be present and a resource in our communities Be with all those working in what are considered essential jobs. Lift up those who may feel isolated as we practice this new dynamic of physical din scenting and help us to come together as a nation and recover from this pandemic Continue to be with those who needs your care in our health systems and each of us as we develop a new normal help those in the areas of our country that are opening up easier anxieties and practice habits that help us to stay safe. Lord, we turn to you knowing that you promised to provide care for us and guide us. We’re thankful for those who served our nation and paid the price so that we might remain a free nation. Develop us in US hearts that continued, honor their sacrifice and be able to encourage others to serve all this. We pray in your most precious name. Amen.
Gracious God in heaven. We’re grateful for the knowledge and technology that has allowed us to come together to recognize Memorial Day in this new way and view together those who participated to make this possible. The Lord continues to provide for us and surrounds us with those who could be helpers, hands and feet in our community to help bring us together, continue to turn our hearts and minds to serving others being present to recognize the work of those who have gone before us. Those who sacrifices and contributed to the military and sense of community we have here continued to encourage those who mourn, guide, and protect each of us in the days ahead. Amen.