It's Memorial Day weekend.

What percent of the U.S. population has been, or currently are, in the military?

Eight (8 %) percent. Which means many, many of us have not served or may barely know anyone who, is, or have served.

Personally, I have about a dozen in my family who are veterans:  a dad, some uncles, a  husband, a brother-in-law, a nephew.

But Memorial Day is more than honoring veterans. It is an time to honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation. Fortunately, for our family, while these relatives served, none were killed in action.

I do know people who lost a son or brother; and we remember!

God bless each person who was killed; each family; every military person - serving currently and in the past.

Here are the words to "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin, copyrighted 1938, 1939, as the world looked like it was embarking on war - which indeed happened:

God Bless America

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free.

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

"God Bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, my home sweet home."

Father God, like Irving Berlin, we ask you to bless America. Forgive us for the times, we turn our backs on You and Your Truth. It is not You who loses when we choose to do that, but us! Help us to turn and return to You as a nation. You created us and know us better than we know ourselves. You are our future and our hope. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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