One of nearly 400 memorials at The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire
A Hymn for Remembrance Sunday
May be used as a prayer or sung to the music, Finlandia, by Jean Sibelius
Grant peace, O Lord, across our strife-torn world,
Where war divides and greed and dogma drive.
Help us to learn the lessons from the past,
That all are human and all pay the price.
All life is dear and should be treated so;
Joined, not divided, is the way to go.
Protect, dear Lord, all who, on our behalf,
Now take the steps that place them in harm’s way.
May they find courage for each task they face
By knowing they are in our thoughts always.
Then, duty done and missions at an end,
Return them safe to family and friends.
Grant rest, O Lord, to those no longer with us;
Who died protecting us and this their land.
Bring healing, Lord, to those who, through their service,
Bear conflict’s scars on body or in mind.
With those who mourn support and comfort share.
Give strength to those who for hurt loved-ones care.
And some there be who no memorial have;
Who perished are as though they’d never been.
For our tomorrows their today they gave,
And simply asked that in our hearts they’d live.
We heed their call and pledge ourselves again,
At dusk and dawn – we will remember them!
Voice:
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
ALL SAY
We will remember them.
Charles Henrywood, 2009
From The War Poetry website www.warpoetry.uk and the book, Remembrance Poems and Readings.
