July 2

At the heart of Arlington National Cemetery lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a solemn monument to the nameless heroes who gave their lives in defense of the nation, their identities lost but their sacrifice immortal. Established in 1921, the tomb stands not only as a tribute to the unknown fallen from World War I, but as a sacred place of remembrance for all unidentified service members from subsequent conflicts. On July 2, 1937, the U.S. Army initiated a 24-hour honor guard presence, a constant vigil that symbolizes our nation’s unwavering gratitude. Every step, every turn, every movement of the guard is a deliberate act of reverence for those who never came home.

As Independence Day approaches, it’s important to remember that the freedoms we celebrate on July 4 were not won without cost. From the Revolutionary War through every generation since, brave men and women have stood in the gap—some known, many unknown—so that we might live in liberty. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier calls us to more than just patriotism. It calls us to humility, to reverence, and to a deeper understanding of the price of freedom. In the shadow of the fireworks and festivities, may we not forget the silence of that tomb, and the enduring sacrifice it represents.

Prayer for the Lives Lost in Battle

Lord of Hosts,

We come before You with gratitude and grief, remembering those who laid down their lives in the defense of freedom. For every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine who never returned home, we lift our hearts in solemn thanks.

You, O God, know every name etched into the soil of battlefields and the silence of graves marked Unknown. You see the courage behind each sacrifice, the love for country that fueled each act of bravery, and the pain left behind in the hearts of families.

Grant eternal rest to the fallen, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Comfort those who still carry the weight of loss. Strengthen us to honor their memory not just with words or ceremonies, but by living lives worthy of their sacrifice—with integrity, unity, and a commitment to peace.

May the price they paid never be taken lightly.

And may freedom never be separated from responsibility.

In Your holy name we pray,

Amen.

Act of Remembrance

Light a Candle at Sunset

As the sun sets on July 4th, light a candle in your home or on your porch in memory of those who never came home. Let the small flame be a quiet declaration that their sacrifice is not forgotten—that freedom came at a cost, and you remember.

Speak Their Names or Their Stories

On the 4th, whether at the dinner table, on social media, or in quiet prayer, speak the name or story of a fallen soldier—especially one from your family, community, or state. Share what they gave, what they believed in, or what their absence has meant. Remembrance becomes real when it’s personal.

Your Daily Walk

Visit a cemetery and walk the "lives lost in war" section. Say a short prayer for each soldier you see. Then say one for all those "unknown soldiers" laid to rest in that cemetery.