|
O Lord, we have
long known that prayer should include confession.
Therefore on behalf of the Marines, I confess their sins:
Lord, they're just not in step with today's society. They are unreasonable in
clinging to old-fashioned ideas like patriotism, duty, honor and
country. They hold radical ideas
believing that they are their brother's keeper and responsible for the Marine
on their flank. They have been seen standing when colors pass, singing the
National Anthem at ball games, and drinking toasts to fallen comrades.
Not only that,
they have been observed standing tall; taking charge and wearing their hair
unfashionably short. They have taken
Teddy R's and JFK's words too seriously and are overly concerned with what
they can do for their service and country instead of what the country can do
for them.
They take the Pledge of Allegiance to heart and believe that their oath is to
be honored. Forgive them, Lord, for being stubborn men and women who hold these
values as genuine. They are aware of
the price for honor and with total command of their spirit,
they have been willing to pay that price.
After all, what more can you expect? They're Marines!
O Lord our God, bless these men and women of ideals, continue to raise up in
this nation strong leaders and deliver us from "me first" managers
and "don't ask me" followers.
Be our honored guest this day, Oh Lord, and join with us in laughter, good
food, good drink, and the telling of tall tales and legends that occasionally
exceed the truth.
We bow our heads to those who were lost in places that had names meaningless
until the mud-Marines landed, and in that mud reaffirmed the one legacy that
brings all Marines together, the blood and tears shed for service and each
other. Watch over and keep safe all
those who wear this nation's uniform with special attention to their families
and loved ones everywhere.
With brandy and cigar in hand, I salute you all for through this day and all
the following nights and days ahead.
God bless you,
God Bless this great nation and God bless the Corps.
"Arrruggha!"
Amen
Dick Freeman
|