Author Unknown
We keep forgetting all of those who lived before us.
We keep forgetting those who lived and worked in this community.
We forget what our fathers have done for us.
We commit the sin of assuming that everything begins with us.
We drink from wells we did not find,
We eat food from farmland we did not develop,
We enjoy freedoms which we have not earned,
We live in communities we did not establish.
This day, make us grateful for our heritage.
Turn our minds to those who lived in another day
And under different circumstances,
Until we are aware of their faith and work.
Today we need to feel our oneness,
Not only those of recent generations who lived here,
But those of every generation in every place,
Whose faith and works have enriched our lives.
We need to learn from them in order that our commitment is as sincere,
Our fellowship as deep, as those who lived in other times and places.