Have mercy, Oh Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land by our fathers, be established forever.

— Doctrine and Covenants 109:54

The Prophet Joseph Smith offered these inspired words at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Each time I read this message I am again inspired to show forth more love and devotion for our nation. As I complete my family history I note many patriots in various lines going back to the very beginnings of our nation. My great-grandfather, Abraham Day, was a member of Company E of the Mormon Battalion. He readily joined the Battalion at the request of the Prophet Brigham Young. Brigham Young had this to say to the members of the battalion and their families. "The Mormon Battalion will be held in honorable remembrance to the latest generation; and I will prophesy that the children of those who have been in the army, in defense of their country, will grow up and bless their fathers for what they did at this time. And men and nations will rise up and bless the men who went in that Battalion."

One of my ancestors, Caleb Sawyer, marched with Captain Stephen Russell's company and was there when the first violent blows of the War of the American Revolution were struck in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775. My father served during World War I and my brother was wounded during World War II. I hold all of them in "honorable remembrance."

When my husband left to serve our country his bishop gave him a small book entitled, Principles of the Gospel. The book is almost worn out now but it served to inspire a young man, away from his family for the first time. One sentence from the book continues to inspire family members to do their best, it is, "We pray that He will give you courage and fortitude to do your duty fully and to acquit yourself honorably wherever your lot is cast."

Each day we pray for our leaders and for those brave men and women who serve so far from home and family. We will hold them always in "honorable remembrance."

— Shirleen Day Gappmayer, St. George, Utah.

"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you. Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax No. (801) 237-2524. Internet E-mail: churchnews@desnews.com