Catholic prayer for Memorial Day

Memorial Day recognizes the sacrifice of those who died on the battlefield. It mourns the loss of these men and women, as well as the sad reality of violence and war.

Here is a short prayer form the USCCB that asks God to “banish violence” and to remember those who have fallen.

God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,
that we may all deserve to be called your sons
      and daughters.
Keep in your mercy those men and women
who have died in the cause of freedom
and bring them safely
into your kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen

—from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers

Read more:A prayer for Memorial Day