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COMMENTARY:
Veterans Day
November 9, 2001 Episode no. 510
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The Reverend William E. Heinzman, pastor at the Springfield
United Methodist Church in Springfield, Virginia, delivered
the invocation on November 11th at the annual Veterans Day
observance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in
Washington, D.C. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY asked him
for his thoughts this Veterans Day, and for the words of
his invocation:
For a Vietnam-era veteran (a 1974 graduate of the Naval
Academy, retired in 1994 after 20 years in the Marine Corps),
The Wall is hallowed ground. One of the guys I played sandlot
baseball with as a kid is on that wall. How can I honor
his memory?
The names on The Wall represent a generation that was tested.
Today another generation is being tested. The world is very
different. How can I speak a word of hope as the nation
faces this time of testing? It was exactly two months ago
when the terrorist attacks occurred. That makes this day
even more significant. The president was invited to speak.
What sort of guidance and blessing do I ask for him and
for the rest of our leaders? How do we ask for God's help
during a war? Do we ask for guidance? Wisdom? I pray that
we would seek God's will above our own agendas.
It was a humbling experience to speak to God for those veterans
present. The prayer was a challenge -- something I needed
to pray about.
VETERANS
DAY 2001
Almighty God, we gather today to remember, to mourn, to
celebrate, and to pay tribute to those who have served this
nation, in war and peace. At this hallowed memorial commemorating
the dead and missing from the Vietnam War, we remember all
those who gave the last full measure, the men and women
who died in the many struggles for freedom which have been
a part of this nation's history. We thank you for their
example, which can inspire us during the conflict we now
face.
As we look to the past for lessons to guide us, we pray
for strength, resolve, and unity as we seek to pursue justice
and to eradicate the evil of terrorism. Just as generations
before have been equal to the test, we ask you to be with
those who face the challenges of this generation. Grant
courage to those who go in harm's way. We pray for our president,
Congress, and all in positions of leadership, that they
may remain steady and focused in their efforts. Guide them
to seek your will in all they do.
As we mark the second month since the attacks on this nation,
we pray for healing and comfort for those grieving the recent
loss of loved ones, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
Help those of us left behind to move forward as we honor
and cherish the memories of those who died. Guide us to
shape this new world in which we find ourselves into one
in which the forces of evil are named, confronted, and decisively
eliminated. Be with us in our efforts to rid the world of
the potential for violent attacks, biological terror, and
the conditions that may give rise to the hatred behind these
attacks.
We ask your blessing on our time together and guidance for
the future. We give you thanks for the privilege and honor
to live in a land and among a people who cherish the ideals
of freedom and equality and seek to make those ideals a
reality. Thank you for those who serve and have served to
keep the dream alive for all of us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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