Veterans Day, 2007

The Navy Hymn always makes me cry. We sang it in church this morning - the version that has stanzas that apply to all branches of the armed forces. I fought tears throughout the whole service because of what war does to people - is doing right now.

Veteran's Day used to be called Armistice Day. The armistice referenced, of course, was the one that ended "the war to end all wars." Well, we all know how that worked out.

War will never end war. Peace is the only way to end war. It is the only way. I promise you, it is the only way.

Almighty Father, strong to save,
whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.

O Christ, the Lord of hill and plain
o'er which our traffic runs amain
by mountain pass or valley low;
wherever, Lord, thy people go,
protect them by thy guarding hand
from every peril on the land.

O Spirit, whom the Father sent
to spread abroad the firmament;
O Wind of heaven, by thy might
save all who dare the eagle's flight,
and keep them by thy watchful care
from every peril in the air.

O Trinity of love and power,
our people shield in danger's hour;
from rock and tempest, fire and foe,
protect them wheresoe'er they go;
thus evermore shall rise to thee
glad praise from space, air, land, and sea.

Of your compassion, whoever you may be who reads this, pray for peace.