A recent email from a friend contained these pictures. I thought these beautiful and haunting images caught the heart of our military men and women and their families.

“Eternal Father, Strong to Save” by William Whiting

Eternal 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, whose voice the waters heard
and hushed their raging at thy word,
who walkedst on the foaming deep,
and calm amid the storm didst sleep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.

Most Holy Spirit, who didst brood
upon the chaos dark and rude,
and bid its angry tumult cease,
and give, for wild confusion, peace:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power,
our brethren 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 hymns of praise from land and sea.

“Taps”

Day is done …
Gone the sun …
From the lakes …
From the hills …
From the sky …
All is well …
Safely rest …
God is nigh…

Fading light …
Dims the sight …
And a star …
Gems the sky…
Gleaming bright …
From afar…
Drawing nigh …
Falls the night ..

Thanks and praise …
For our days …
Neath the sun …
Neath the stars …
Neath the sky …
As we go …
This we know …
God is nigh …

On Street Prophets Irishwitch has a beautiful post up describing what it is like being a military wife and watching the Fort Hood Memorial.

To all of our military personnel, veterans, and their families: Thank you for all of the sacrifices you have made. May your reward soon be peace and reunion.

Veteran’s Day 2009 is a post from: Shawna R. B. Atteberry