Veterans Day (November 11) honors all who have served in the armed forces; Memorial Day (the last Monday of May, May 31, 2027) remembers those who died in service. Many parishes add intentions for veterans and the fallen to the Sunday Mass near these days. Below are four sets of Prayers of the Faithful for Veterans Day and Memorial Day: for veterans, for the fallen, for those serving now, and for military families. In other countries they can be used on Remembrance Day or Anzac Day.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
How to use these intercessions
Use the Mass of the day and add two or three of these intentions to the Universal Prayer (GIRM 69–71). On Memorial Day, a weekday, a Mass for the Dead or for peace may be celebrated.
Set 1: For Veterans Day
Priest: On this Veterans Day, let us thank God for those who have served our country and pray for them and for peace.
- For all veterans of our armed forces, that God may reward their service and sacrifice, let us pray to the Lord.
- For veterans who carry wounds of body, mind or spirit, that they may receive the care, respect and healing they deserve, let us pray to the Lord.
- For veterans who are homeless, unemployed or alone, that our communities may welcome and help them, let us pray to the Lord.
- For military chaplains, that they may be signs of Christ’s presence to those who serve, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the leaders of nations, that they may work tirelessly for peace so that war may cease, let us pray to the Lord.
- For veterans who have died, that they may rest in the peace of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Lord God, protector of all who trust in you, bless those who have served our nation, and grant to our world the gift of peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Set 2: For Memorial Day
Priest: On this Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives in service. Let us commend them to the mercy of God.
- For all who died in the service of our country, that God may grant them eternal rest, let us pray to the Lord.
- For their families, who still mourn them, that they may be comforted by our gratitude and by the hope of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all victims of war, soldiers and civilians of every nation, that they may find peace in God, let us pray to the Lord.
- For an end to war and violence, that their sacrifice may lead to lasting peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 3: For those serving now
- For the men and women of our armed forces serving at home and abroad, that God may protect them and bring them home safely, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those in danger today, that they may act with courage, conscience and respect for human life, let us pray to the Lord.
- For military leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom, justice and care for those under their command, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 4: For military families
- For military spouses and children, who carry the burden of separation, that they may be strengthened and supported, let us pray to the Lord.
- For families who have lost a loved one in service, that they may find comfort and hope, let us pray to the Lord.
- For Gold Star families and all who grieve, that our community may stand with them, let us pray to the Lord.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Veterans Day (November 11) honors all who have served; Memorial Day (the last Monday of May) remembers those who died in service.
When is Memorial Day in 2027?
Monday, May 31, 2027.