JUSTICE FOR ALL!

Have you ever wondered about the process of how our fallen heroes were transported? I came across this letter from a Fallen Hero Escort written in April 2004. The letter/journal of USMC Lt Col Srtobl and his escort of PFC Chance Phelp’s remains from Dover to Dubois, Wyoming is a very touching story. This was early in the war effort and the story shows that even before the Holly Amendment, assured they are now brought home on charter jets, our Heroes were treated with dignity and respect during their final journy home.

This is his true story and soon to be released film from HBO films, it comes out in February of 2009 and stars Keven Bacon as USMC Lt Col Srtobl

The film is a narrative by a Fallen Hero Escort and although it is about only one specific Fallen Hero, PFC Chance Phelps, it tells a global story that will touch us all.

reed LT Col Srtobl’s letter (long but worth reading) here.

http://www.everythingiknowiswrong.com/2004/04/taking_chance.html

you can view a touching film clip of “Taking Chance” here

http://www.hbo.com/events/takingchance/

Today is officially the National Day of Prayer. Like many of the Gold Star Families we pray daily for our troops and our nations leaders from the President down to the freshmen Senators and Congressmen. We also pray for the Supreme Court judges and the other elected officials throughout the United States. We pray that they will show judgment, wisdom and conviction and that God will continue to guide them in there public as well as private lives.

Last night we attended our usual midweek bible study at our church. Instead of the scheduled bible lesson we had a lesson on prayer. Then the church, along with about a dozen associate pastors, started the National Day of Prayer early. I wanted to share a portion of the evening with you so I am including a prayer delivered by my friend and mentor Tom Russel, Associate Pastor from Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. I hope you will share this prayer with someone today.

“A prayer for our nation’s military, and for victory in the Global War on Terrorism”

Heavenly Father, we pause again to give You thanks for Your divine protection that we so often take for granted. You watch over us and keep us safe, individually as Your children, and as a nation whose heritage and hope are in You alone. Throughout our short history as a nation, You have always blessed us with a strong and honorable military. And by and through our military, You have not only protected us, but many other nations and peoples as well.

Today, we remain engaged in a global war against terrorism—a war that threatens to, and would if possible, destroy the very peace for which Christ died. And while we as Your people have the assurance that the peace we enjoy through Christ can never be destroyed, millions of others who long for this same peace, continue to suffer at the hands of those who kill and destroy in the name of all that is unholy and ungodly. So tonight again, we call upon You to protect those whom You call to protect us. We pray for every soldier, sailor, airman, Guardsman, and Marine, who wears the uniform of their nation’s military. All who wear the uniform serve by choice, and many serve in answer to the calling You have placed upon their lives. We pray that you would protect all—those in places of combat around the world, and those who serve here at home. As You keep them safe, we pray that You would embolden those who have taken the name of Christ, that they would be used by You to bring many to salvation. May You use them as ambassadors of Your peace—ambassadors to nations and peoples for whom Christ died. We ask also that you would grant wisdom to all of those in positions of command and authority.

For family members who pray for the safe return of those whom they love, show Yourself strong and faithful in their lives as well. Finally LORD, as this war continues, remind each of us of our duty to pray. And remind us all, that our true enemies are not flesh and blood, but are the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We ask these blessings of You in and for the name of Jesus, amen.