The Diocese of Phoenix, like many other dioceses across the nation, on Monday marked Memorial Day as a day to honor those who gave their lives for their country.

“Join us in prayer today as we honor and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the diocese posted on Facebook. 

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) wrote a Facebook post providing the faithful with a prayer that could be offered up. It reads: “God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace.” 

Many Catholics across the country take time on Memorial Day to attend a Mass at a local cemetery, according to Catholic Digest. They are also urged to volunteer their time for one or more of the many charitable organizations that provide services and resources for veterans. 

As a way to better serve those in the military, St. Pope John Paul II established the Archdiocese for the Military Services in the 1980s. The Archdiocese for the Military Services has grown to have more than 220 installations in 29 different countries. 

Since 1917, almost 3,000 Arizonans have given their lives while serving their country in war in Europe, the South Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries, AZ Central says.