Those who have served and/or have loved ones in service, know there is no rest when it comes to the defense of our nation and securing the freedom of others from oppression and abuse.
Lord, we ask Your Everpresence with these valiant men and women wherever they are, and with their families and loved ones. Let them know we will never take for granted the price they are paying for us all, whether in combat or in supporting roles around the world.
Grant them strength of purpose, peace of mind and bring them safely home.
Guide our President and all our leaders, giving them wisdom and strength to do what is necessary, no matter how many dissenters yap and nip at them, proclaiming 'peace.'
Peace never comes through wishful thinking, but through determination and effort, often with a terrible cost.
If I were to single out one military leader whose name should be engraved on our roll of those to whom we owe the successes of the past year, I would lift up General Tommy Franks, who worked tirelessly more than a year planning the campaign and any possible glitches in Iraq.
What a brilliant campaign was directed under his leadership, with the least number of casualties among our forces, and of the civilian populace of Iraq!
Lord bless them all, bless our continuing efforts, and bless our beloved America.