POW / MIA Remembrance Day

Today is the day our nation sets aside to remember those who are still Missing in Action and possibly Prisoners of War. I had the distinct honor today of providing the invocation for the remembrance ceremony at the Air Force Memorial here in Washington DC this morning. I was touched by the comments of one of the key speakers who shared her story of her father who was missing in Vietnam for over 20 years before the family finally found out what happened to him and the recovery of his remains. I was also touched by conversations with family members whose loved ones still are missing.

Here is my invocation:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father we approach your throne of grace to beseech your presence with us today as we remember those who have been or currently remain Prisoners of War or Missing in Action in service to our nation.

We give thanks for the faithful service of all who have worn and currently wear the uniform of military service.

On this day, we ask your special blessing upon those instances where service members are currently Missing in Action. It is our special hope that they would return to us safe and sound, but in the least may we learn their stories and so bring closure to their loved ones. Be with the families who still deal with the day to day anxieties of unanswered questions.

We thank you for giving strength to those who call on you while in their captivity for we know there is no place where you are not present and therefore no place without hope.

We give you thanks for those who have returned home alive and been reunited with their families.

We ask your spirit of comfort and consolation to rest upon the families of those who were found to have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May their sacrifice serve as a constant call and reminder to us to live a life of service for one another.

In each and every case, former and current POW or MIA, recovered or still lost – may our nation always remember and honor ever brave act of sacrifice and endurance that the call of liberty may always ring strong in our world.

And we are bold to ask you to watch over all our men and women currently in harms way – to grant us victory over tyranny and terror and grant us peace. In the name of the One and only God. Amen.

Until they are all home Until their stories are known and told

AT Trek

I was out on the Appalachian Trail for a couple of days. I had planned to do an entire week with a buddy who was through hiking and hitting this section, but had a little incident with a bear and a bit of a tumble down the trail as I sought to gain some distance with the result that my pack strap removed a layer of skin from my left shoulder... but such is life. When I looked up the bear was gone. I figure he must have thought something bigger than him got me when I slipped. Was still a good time though. I can say though, the bear population of the Shenandoah National Park is in good shape. I saw my first one in a tree not 15 minutes into the hike. By the end of the first day I found 6 total, everyone of them perched in a tree. The one on the second day was perched right in the middle of the path I was following.

Anyway, here are a few snapshots from my shortened trek in the northern section of the park.
Here is a typical view from elevation atop one of the smaller mountains one has to climb on the trail.

This is a view from the first day out. The trail goes down the side of the slope I"m standing on, crosses the parkway in the distance, up that climb, down into the valley and up the mountain in the far distance following the top of the mountain down the crest for about six miles to a park wayside store (where incidentally I stopped my hike after my shoulder wound opened up on me.)

View from the top of Hogback Mountain looking west into the Shenandoah valley.

The trail in this section is in very good condition - easy to follow and well signed and blazed. This section was quite peaceful with the ferns growing.

The Appalachian Trail itself comes close to Skyline Parkway in a number of locations. Unfortunate if you seek to be away from all signs of civilization. Good though, if you need to seek an alternate route around a particularly stubborn bear.

In fifteen years of hiking the AT and other associated trails in TN, VA, and NC - I've only seen a handful of bears. They were thick in the Shenandoah. I got so used to seeing bear scat on the trail that I ceased to pay too much attention to it.

Video of the Dedication

You can watch the full ceremony here.

Pentagon Memories

"...that day of peace will come. And until it does we ask a loving God to watch over our troops in battle. We ask Him to comfort the families who mourn. And we ask Him to bless our great land. And now it is my honor to dedicate the Pentagon Memorial."

-- President George Bush Sept 11, 2008

Hear "There are No Words"

Seven years ago I would never have envisioned that I would be standing on the grounds of the Pentagon for the dedication of the memorial to the victims of 9-11 who died there. It was a solemn, powerful, and important occasion that I was honored and humbled to be a small part of. There were moments of pride, moments of sorrow, moments that goose bumps rose on my skin, and moments of renewed resolve to do what is necessary that this never happens again.

Here beneath these sloping fields of Arlington National Cemetery, fields that hold our nation’s fallen, this building stands as a silent monument to the resolve of a free people. And so too this memorial in its shadow will stand not only as a symbol of a nation’s grief, but as an eternal reminder of men and women of valor who saw flame and smoke, stepped forward to save and protect the lives of their fellow Americans on September 11th.

Let it also remind each of us of those who have volunteered to serve in our nation’s armed forces before and every day since. Our nation’s military has stood strong in this new age of peril, determined that what happened here seven years ago must not happen again.

--Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Sept 11 2008

I was deeply moved by the stories of some who were lost, including a young boy who was on a school field trip. I was moved by the incredible rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic (all verses) and by the closing singing of God bless America.

There was prayer and a wreath laying, numerous musical selections and powerful comments from former and current leaders including the President, Secretary Rumsfeld, and Secretary Gates. But the most moving moments were the reading of each name of one lost with their photo displayed large behind. The children hit me the hardest.

STORY AND VIDEO SYNOPSIS HERE

TAPS IS BLOWN DURING THE DEDICATION
AS THE ORIGINAL FIRE FIGHTERS WHO DRAPED THE FLAG RENDER HONOR

PRESIDENT BUSH'S COMMENTS

We also honor those who raised their hands and made the noble decision to defend our nation in a time of war.
When our enemies attacked the Pentagon, they pierced the rings of this building, but they could not break the resolve of the United States Armed Forces.
Since 9-11 our troops have taken the fight to the terrorist abroad so we do not have to face them here at home.
Thanks to the brave men and women and all those who work to keep us safe, there has not been another attack on our soil in
two thousand five hundred and fifty-seven days."

-- President Bush September 11, 2008
Dedication of the Pentagon Memorial

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

MEET THE FALLEN

Almost 7 years later

I expect you can remember like myself what you were doing Sept 11 2001.

Here is an interesting article in Stars and Stripes by 4 military folks and what was going on in their lives. This got my attention:

"Childress had arrived at the Pentagon for his new assignment Sept. 4, and his household goods were to arrive the next day. But because of a clerical error, there was a delay. He was told his goods could be delivered on Monday, the 10th, or Tuesday, the 11th.

'I told them Tuesday,' he said. 'It’s a decision that saved my life. Everyone around my desk was killed.'"

____________________

I myself was working in my office at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cincinnati on a Bible study for later that week when my phone rang, "Pastor, are we going to have a special service?" I didn't have a clue as to why until they said to watch the news. I turned on the news just in time to see the second tower come down. I couldn't believe what was happening at first. I remember that very morning beginning to consider coming back into military service.

We had our prayer service that night. A month later we held a commemoration memorial that we had to move out on the lawn for seating. We had a Lincoln impersonator who participated by sharing part of the Gettysburg address, a section of which I use during most of my committal services at Arlington National Cemetery.

It is such an honor to have walked the halls of the Pentagon and to stand on the ground where some of those who were killed were laid to rest. These sights are a constant reminder to me of the sacrifices made and the need for service so that ...the government of the people, for the people, and by the people shall not perish from the earth." These sights remind me of my daily commitment to winning this war in whatever small way that I can contribute to the struggle.

Wreathed in Memories

Being a chaplain assigned to the 11th Wing here in DC has its perks at times. Today I had the incredible privilege of assisting in a wreath laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial in honor and memory of the 84th Bombardment Group with the 8th Air Force. These fellows flew 170 combat missions over Europe flying out of England. Tremendous. This is their last reunion as many of the members are now quite elderly or have passed on.

Unfortunately, tropical storm Hanna reduced our program a bit today, but together we stood in the rain. I made a few comments about their service and thanked them. I also shared that they laid the foundation with their service for what is now the United States Air Force and that I consider that what we do today in many ways is a continuation of their tradition of service and an attempt to uphold the high standards and performance they laid down during that great conflict of the second World War. Following my comments and invocation, I snapped to attention, did a sharp about face, presented arms and sounds of taps rang out their the hallowed stones of the memorial site as a young sergeant for the Air Force Band played. We then dropped out salutes and the service was concluded.

Pentagon Memorial Dedication

I am very excited. Today I received tickets to the invitation only dedication of the Pentagon Memorial. This means a great deal to me as it was the attacks on our country that day which lead me to begin exploring going back into the military on active duty as a chaplain. I see the Pentagon every day from where I work here at Arlington. Planes constantly overfly the cemetery on the way to Reagan International Airport. Not a day goes by at Arlington that I don't recall the attack on our nation that took place here.

Read about the Memorial here.

(click to see bigger picture)

On September 11th, great sorrow came to our country.
And from that sorrow has come great resolve.
Today, we are a nation awakened to the evil of terrorism, and determined to destroy it.
That work began the moment we were attacked;
and it will continue until justice is delivered.

-- President George Bush Oct 11, 2001 speech at the Pentagon

Thank you Mr President

I read this tonight. I think it speaks volumes, for itself. A visit with the President. I have one regret from my military service here in DC, that the opportunity did not present itself to salute my President.

Remember 9-11

This cross is being installed in Shanksville PA made of steel from the World Trade Center.

Many still remember. You can read about it here.

Going, going .....gone...back

Vacation time. Hooah! We took a couple of weeks of leave, though I didn't get out of town on Monday like I planned since my PFT got rescheduled. Not happy about my score so planning to retest...but that's another story.

We made a big circle going first to TN where we received some promising news regarding my mom's fight with cancer. Then onward to St. Louis. This was our first big drive that we have ever taken both girls on together. We packed up enough clothes for the four of us for two weeks and one of us for a year (pre-teen on board) threw the dog in the fend for herself and took off.

We had a full agenda. First we visited with some of my wife's extended family that were also in town. Then we hit Grant's Farm. I noticed some changes already since Imbev has bought out AB. First there was a sign about reduced operating hours coming. And then they had Imbev beer on tap for the free samples in the beer garden. I stuck with Amber Rock. I still have to ask myself when considering how AB has been bought out if there is nothing sacred anymore. It was a topic of conversation more than once in St. Louis with my friends there.

Grants Farm is still worth the stop. A mini zoo of sorts on property once owned by President Grant. It features a train ride through areas where animals run free.

Over the weekend we visited with friends in Red Bud Illinois. My friend pastors a congregation there. He was the associate minister when I did my internship in Cape Girardeau many years ago. They are the god-parents for my oldest daughter.

I always have this sense of wonder when I go visit with them. They have a very nice church, parsonage, and school right out in the middle of the corn fields south of Red Bud in an area simply called Prarie. Here once finds a confessional Lutheran church focused on the provision of God's Word and Sacraments and pastoral care as people work to live out their vocations in God's creation. There is a beauty and a simplicity there.



Back in St. Louis we hit the zoo one day and the science center and the jewel box the next.

The butterfly garden was incredible. The zoo has made some serious upgrades since we were last there. Some of the exhibits are so real that you feel as if you are standing in the midst of the jungle quietly peeking through the overgrowth at the animals.






We saw some fairly typical animals.


















And some less typical.













We hopped the train and made a mad dash around the zoo to arrive just in time to see this little cub being called in for lunch with his mother. So cute... at this age at least.
The zoo was great, even if I did have to pay 12 dolllars for four bottles of soda.

But admission was free.















The Jewel Box would have been disappointing except for the incredible water lilies out front.















I took my two girls through my old stomping grounds at Concordia Seminary.















And my wife fulfilled a dream of taking her children to a St. Louis landmark: Ted Drews. (and White Castle). Note: we all survived White Castle.


Of course we stopped at the world famous ARCH! on the way out of town.




We then drove north into central Illinois to visit my first parish, a dual parish of Trinity Lutheran in La Rose and St. John's Lutheran in Washburn. We hit the area just in time for dinner at Woody's and desert for the eyes as a huge thunderstorm rolled in from the west just at sunset. I snapped this photo sitting on the console in the middle of the car with my head sticking out the sun roof as my wife drove us into Varna.

Some things you just gotta do in the country.

Our days in Varna were like stepping back in a time machine. We stayed with some old friends in Varna Illinois. A very small town, but there are signs of growth here. Some new housing and the local grainery has expanded 5 fold. I enjoyed walking out early one morning to the local Casey's to get coffee and saying howdy to folks I hadn't seen in many a year. Some of them even recognized me.




I took my oldest daughter on a five mile walk down a gravel county road in the midst of the corn fields when we startled these black birds. Felt like a scene from the movie Day of the Bird there for a minute.


We had an old fashioned potluck with my former flock. Some of the folks looked like they hadn't aged a day. We laughed and shared stories and memories as well as expression how we missed some of those who had passed on.


I even met the pet squirrel of the folks we were staying with. Our host took one look at this photo and exclamed, "he's cute. Almost makes me want to like him."

This is Trinity Lutheran Church in LaRose. The place I preached my first sermon as a pastor. (They had the early service on Sunday mornings.)

This is St. John's Lutheran Church in Washburn IL. I was ordained here and my oldest daughter was baptized here by the same pastor I visited in Prairie Illinois.

Both churches haven't changed a bit. I feel like I could have walked in from years ago heading for my office.

And of course, before we left town, we introduced our youngest daughter to our nightly ritual when we lived in Washburn. We walked five blocks from the parsonage (across the street from the church) to the local Caseys and bought the girls a cookie.

Time catches up with us all, but in some places it seems to move a bit slower is all.

If we maintain our faith in God, love of freedom, and superior global air power, the future [of the US] looks good.

— General Curtis Lemay

Hero

I had the incredible privilege of conducting the service for one of our nation's heroes from WWII, Lt Gen Gordon Graham. By the end of WWII he was a triple ace. But he didn't stop there. He continued to serve our nation in a long career including Vietnam. His list of accomplishments and service is profound. You just have to read it for yourself. You can read about his amazing service here.

Truly the field of Arlington are fields of honor because of the service and sacrifice of those who rest there.

Freedom is NOT FREE!

On this Independence Day -- we remember Freedom is not free.

Mikey Monsoor sacrificed himself on 29 September 2006 that his brothers in arms could remain alive - free. He could have saved himself. He saved hs comrads, throwing himself on a live grenade.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor. He is the fourth in the War on Terror to receive the award.

View his memorial service here.

   
 From this day
 to the ending of the world,
    But we in it shall be remembered-
    We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
    For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
    Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
    This day shall gentle his condition;

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,

    And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
    That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

William Shakespeare
King Henry V

The citation for the award of the Medal of Honor to Master at Arms 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor:

The President of the United States, in the name of the Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor, posthumously, to Master At Arms Second Class, Sea, Air and Land, Michael A. Monsoor, United States Navy. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006.

As a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army sniper overwatch element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent-held sector of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor distinguished himself by his exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor's chest and landed in front of him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.