Monday was Memorial Day. I had the honor of giving the opening prayer for our annual observance of the holiday in Zero Stone Park.

Joni McGee coordinated the service. Our mayor Chris Alexander and our county judge Joe Shuster gave the declarations from the city council and the commissioners’ court. Our local vegans presented wreaths commemorating each of our nation’s conflicts. Many went from the service to the cemetery to lay wreaths or place flags.

It was a significant occasion, as it is every year.

I think it is especially important during these days when we think about those and remember those who fought and perhaps gave their lives for this “one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all,” we need to remember that we are still one nation. Our young women and men who don the uniform do not do so as members of a particular political party or sect. They are those who love our nation - our entire nation.

Let us remember that which joins us is far greater than that which separates us. In the craziness and tragedy of today’s world, let’s be united as a nation and one in seeking solutions to today’s problems. And they are many.

Let’s dedicate ourselves to unity, even when there is diversity within our unity.

After memorial day, God bless America - not just a faction of it.

Blessings.