O God, the Strength of Those Who War
O God, the strength of those who war,
The hope of those who wait,
Be with our sons gone forth to fight,
And those who keep the gate.
Give to our hosts in battle’s hour
Firm hearts and courage high,
Thy comfort give to those who fall,
Thy peace to those who die.
Breathe on our land the spirit calm
Which faith in right bestows,
And in the hours of dark suspense
A faith which stronger grows.
In Thee alone we place our hope,
Thou Keeper of the just,
And Thou, through fight and fire and fears
Wilt justify our trust.
Thy ways are wonderful, O God,
Who makest wars to cease:
O let this be the final war
That ushers in Thy peace.
Every year, on 11 November at 11 am – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – we pause to remember those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations.
We have our U.S. and Marine flag flying today and yesterday. Yesterday was the Marine Corp Birthday. Our Marine was given a nice meal and a piece of celebration cake in Afghanistan yesterday. We are wearing our Poppy broaches yesterday and today.
And until our Marine comes home from his deployment we keep our Blue Star Service Banner in our window.
The Blue Star Service Banner was designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry. Queisser’s two sons served on the front line. His banner quickly became the unofficial symbol for parents with a child in active military service.
There are businesses that offer Military dependents discounts today. Not sure if Katie and I will head out and take advantage of some of those. What are your Remembrance Day/Veteran’s Day plans?
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Reblogged this on Stirring Trouble internationally.
Lest we forget. Thank you for those beautiful photos and to the words.. I said.. Amen.
The only family member to serve in the military was one of my grandfathers who died when I was very young. I never heard any stories and I can not imagine the cost of this life style, emotional and physically. I’m thankful for their service, I’m thankful God’s grace is enough for them and their loved ones at home, I just can not imagine so I ask God how to pray. “Breathe out, be still, the tomb is empty, God is enough”.
Your photos are beautiful.
I didn’t know about the Blue Star Banner. Wonderful words to remember — the strength of our God.
We went for breakfast this morning and there was a man sitting with a friend in his uniform…we could hear them chatting about his time of service and it was nice to hear his friend thanking him for serving his country well. Praying specifically for Andrew today.
That is a wonderful hymn. I like the blue star banner serving as a reminder…one for your sidebar, too, maybe? As a way to pray for Katie’s handsome Marine.
This is a perfect hymn for a Veterans Day remembrance. Your daughter looks so lovely and her husband looks to young and brave in his dress uniform. How thankful a nation we are are for his service!