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(Five years ago when the Coast Guard was the host unit for Armed Forces Week celebrations, it fell to the military chairman, the late Commodore George Bolus to offer the convocation for Memorial Day service in Chattanooga's National Cemetery. George wanted some help with a prayer and Bob Lahiere, recalling the Patton movie and a chaplain who wrote a prayer for fair weather, suggested George have me write the convocation for him. This is what I wrote and George delivered. Pete Chaney) We
thank you, oh Lord, for allowing us this day to gather on this hallowed
ground blessed with the spirit of patriotism of our comrades who served
in the military to guard our freedom. They
were Christian and Jew, black and white.
They were from all ethnic groups, from all religions and
countries. Their blood was
red and it flowed in protection of our country. They
went to the far corners of the world to meet those who would destroy
liberty and democracy. They
gave their all. Some fell
on the battlefield. Some
brought home the pain of war that marked their lives.
All served honorably to defend America. This
is that day when we the living salute our comrades who have gone before
us, those brave souls we will one day join. On
this day let us give thanks to You, oh Lord, for the love of freedom You
have imbedded in our souls to make the sacrifices that preserve our way
of life. Let us never
forget what has been required of us all. May
we ask, our Heavenly Father, for the blessings on those no longer with
us and those of us yet living, that we may never forget them, that we
may always honor these valiant souls. We seek Your blessings always to keep the spirit of freedom alive in our hearts that we may live in glorification of Your name. Amen.
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