Guest blog by Dr. Deborah Blanch, national ALA chaplain from the Department of Virginia

This is the day the Lord has made and we pray for our men and women for their ultimate sacrifice. Our relationship with God is personal and just as he sacrificed his only son. Within the passage, 2 Samuel 22-24, it states, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, Thou dost save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies.”

Our men and women veterans answer this verse with the spirit of giving and unselfishly defending people they may never know with this purpose in their hearts.

“Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends,” from John 15:13. Our faithful servicemembers leave family and friends to protect and serve them so they can have a better world to live in.

We are able to worship freely, read our Bibles, and speak freely. This comes from the wounds, seen and unseen along with physical limitations that our veterans may have to live with forever. Let us also remember the brave men and women who have given their lives for us.

Lastly Psalms 46:1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

There is never any hesitation from when the call of duty presents itself. God is always there. Angels gather for him and surround our veterans in their private moment and during any battle they may be in.

Let us pray together because in our hearts, every day should be Memorial Day.

Father God, our creator, sustainer, and protector, we come to you and thank you for our great nation and the heroic men and women who defend it when the call comes. Our best and brightest warriors volunteer with the love for their nation first and foremost in their hearts.

Today is the day we honor them and we can never thank them enough for the sacrifices for our past, present, and future servicemembers. Give them the courage to deal with their physical and mental wounds. Protect them from harm and hurt as they have protected us. We ask for a special blessing for them today.

As we depart from you today, we proclaim that every day should be Memorial Day! We continue to give all the honor, glory, and praise to you. Amen.