Memorial Invocation
Delivered by Carl H. Hulsman at the dedication of the memorial plaque to those of the 2nd Cml Mortar Bn Who Did Not Return. September 15, 2000, Edgewood Arsenal (EA-APG), Maryland.
O God, we come to you rather tardily by worldly measure, but we know it doesn't matter because the psalmist tells us that even "a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night."
Today, in this peaceful place, we dedicate a bronze plaque in memory of those young men of the 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion who, during their service in the Korean War, were killed, died of wounds, or died in prison camp. We do this in recognition of their having given that "last full measure" in that service.
These men had "lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved," but, cut down in their youth, they were denied the joys of a full life they might otherwise have expected.
From here, and from many other places around the country, these rather ordinary men went out to do extraordinary things.
We have the sure and certain hope that you, Lord, will hold them eternally in your grace and your boundless and steadfast love.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The plaque we set to them and thee.Bless us, O God, and bless the members of all our armed forces who stand ever vigilant in defense of our beloved country.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer for we offer it in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
This invocation was published in the October 2000 issue of The Red Dragon,
newsletter of the 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion Association.
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