Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, whenflowers were placed at the graves of Union andConfederate soldiers. On this day we honor all whohave died in service of our nation. Dear God our Father, Your word tells us, ?Unless the LORD build the house,they labor in vain who build. Unless the LORD guardthe city, in vain does the guard keep watch? (Psalm 127:1). Thank You for those who have guarded not only ourcities, but our country, allies, and many other communitiesfrom unjust and unprincipled aggressors. On this MemorialDay, with a solemn and sacred spirit, we pause to rememberand honor the brave men and women in our Armed Forceswho gave up their lives for their fellow Americans athome and abroad.Many were young and many were married, with their lovedones praying for them back home; but they were each fightingto protect the freedom we enjoy when they were called to makethe ultimate sacrifice. Dear God, please bless our heroes and heroines with Yourmercy, grace, and peace. Bless also their families andfriends. May Your perpetual light shine upon them; and maytheir souls and the souls of all our faithful departed restin peace. In Jesus? name. Amen.
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Acrually,Decoration Day (as it was long called) was specifically to honor those who died fighting to preserve the Union,not to break it.So it took a long time and a name change before it caught on in the South.