Memorial Day

 

On this day, we raise a cup

 

To those we have lost in battles, wars declared and undeclared

 

Soldiers and civilians

 

To those we have lost in riots and shootings, protests and strikes

 

Activists, workers, citizens, officers

 

To those who tended the wounded and dying

 

Nurses, medics, clergy,

 

To those we have lost who sought to record the truth of the battlefield

 

Journalists and reporters

 

To those we lost who protected  students and scholars, forbidden knowledge and literature from those who would destroy it

 

Teachers, Librarians, Scientists

 

To those who guard the wilderness and its creatures, and those who venture into the wild.

 

Rangers, Wardens, Firefighters

 

We honor you. We remember you.

 

We promise you that we carry on your tasks and your burdens, in any way we can.

 

For freedom and protection,

 

For truth and knowledge

 

For wisdom and nature.

 

For peace and for justice.

 

So be it. Blessed Be. Amen. Shalom.