"God of compassion, we remember and honor those who have served our country with courage and sacrifice. Bless them and their families. Grant strength to the injured and comfort to those who have lost loved ones. May your peace surround them, and may we, as a nation, strive for a world where conflict is replaced by understanding. Amen."

“Dear Lord,

Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country.

We pray that you will bless them for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country’s heritage, for all of us.

Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced, for the sacrifices they made for their many different contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression.

We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them. We pray that you will watch over these special people and bless them with peace and happiness.”

Above: A priest blesses a U.S. Marine in Fallujah, Iraq. Photo courtesy Andrea DePaola