There are many reasons to appreciate Memorial Day weekend in the United States: it’s a welcome three-day holiday, it’s the unofficial beginning of summer, and for many, it’s a good excuse for a barbecue party (or ‘cook-out’ in New England) with friends and family.

In all the fun of the weekend, how about pausing in quiet reflection and deep gratitude for the real purpose of this day…to remember all those in military service who selflessly gave their lives for love of country. Let’s embrace their families in our prayers as well, because they need to feel especially the love from their grateful country in return.

It seems to me that our service men and women live to the fullest measure the second great commandment of Christ Jesus, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” In Science and Health, the book that has brought comfort and healing to generations of military families, author Mary Baker Eddy relates this biblical commandment to what our military is ultimately striving to do, to help eliminate injustice and create a foundation for peace:

“It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established.”

So, on this Memorial Day I am praying with a video poem from spirituality .com of omnipresent protection for those who serve, and those who serve with them:

A Prayer for the Military (click on this link) 

* Send a message of support to armed services personnel and their families. This link conveys assurance that we are all surrounded by a divine “gentle presence” that loves and protects us. Excerpts from a poem by Mary Baker Eddy.