Mark Decoration Day by attending Prayer Breakfast

While June 21 marks the first day of summer, Memorial Day has long been the holiday more eagerly associated with the start of the season. That idea is pervasive and at times seemingly detrimental to the real purpose of the observance, which is to honor the memory of America's fighting men and women who died defending our nation. The observance usually includes the decoration of veterans' graves, and in fact was originally known as "Decoration Day."

Memorial Day is the time to recount the sacrifice of all of America's warriors. But this year the nation will focus attention on those of the "greatest generation," the veterans of World War II. This Memorial Day weekend, in Washington, D.C., a memorial to the men and women of that war will be dedicated.

Not all veterans who served our nation then will be able to attend the events, and so it falls to the communities of America to see that their World War II veterans are remembered and acknowledged, personally and publicly.

On May 29, American Legion Post 1830 will sponsor a day of events and conduct ceremonies to honor these veterans, beginning with a prayer breakfast on Saturday at 7 a.m. at Smith Warren Post in Scottsville.

It is tradition in America that preparation for any great fete should invoke God's blessings, then praise God's hand in its success. America's greatest soldier, General of the Continental Army George Washington, was so inclined.

At the close of the Revolutionary War he offered his "Earnest Prayer" to God that He would incline the hearts of citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for brethren who have served in the field."

And so, it is fitting that we should in our time thank God for those World War II veterans who "served in the field, asking peace for those souls offered up and blessing on those who yet walk among us. Beginning the Memorial Weekend with a prayer breakfast offers that opportunity.

Everyone in Chili is encouraged to attend. Tickets are available by calling Maurice Arthur at 889-3186 or Finn Donaldson at 247-1467.