Creator, Holy and Loving God, as we gather together this morning, on this Memorial Day, bless each one of us as we memorialize and remember the sacrifice and the steep cost that was paid by those who have come before us and served in the armed forces. We especially remember those who fought bravely in the 100th Infantry Battalion who were integrated into the 442nd during WWII. We give thanks for their commitment and sacrifice.

God, we give thanks for those who served in the 442nd and courageously answered the call even as they fought and endured racism and the incarceration of their families and loved ones in camp.  May we honor and hold their memory in deep esteem today.

God, we praise you and lift in prayer those who have gone before us, our loved ones and all of those who sacrificed for us, to have what we have today.  God, I’m grateful for this community and pray that you could continue to work and move in these spaces

God, may we remember those who died whether in the air, or on the land or in the sea with much love and mercy and respect and honor. May they inspire us to live and love in grace and mercy, as Christ calls us to do.

We pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.