Decoration Day and Memorial Day were concurrently being developed recognizing the sacrifices and challenges for those who served their countries and died in combat. Among those people were three soldiers during the civil war that were waiting for church to start and saw a woman and her child cleaning a grave. They were moved to clean the graves in that cemetery and told their commander General Logan about it and he had those under his command commemorate the first Decoration Day.
O Lord our God, we know that you want us to turn our swords and guns into plowshares and growing things rather than killing one another. So many people throughout history have given their lives so that evil may not prevail. This day we honor those who lost their lives in defense of others. May we remember their sacrifice, and work to make it so that others are not forced to die in combat. For those who remember those who have fought by their side and did not come home, may we comfort them and honor the memory of those we have lost. May we never forget what those who serve our country are committing to give and be careful when we put them in harm’s way. May your blessings, O God, be given tenfold to those who live on knowing their loved one gave his life for our freedoms. All this we ask in your name. Amen
https://history.army.mil/html/reference/holidays/memday/index.html
Prayers for Challenging Times 