O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
You are with us through all our days. Even in times of change, you are still God and we trust in you.
I pray today for this dedicated and faithful Soldier as he retires. We are grateful for the decades of sacrificial service which he offered on our behalf. He and his family have given themselves for us; now I pray that the years to come might continue to bring them satisfaction and well being. Go with them and bless them in every new endeavor.
Lord, bless us all with strength, defend us from harm, and preserve all that we hold dear, that we may continue to serve our community, our nation and our world. In your holy name, Amen.
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UPDATE: Also see, A Retirement Dinner Prayer.
milewis.wordpress.com
When a member of the Navy retires, it’s a time of celebration and choosing personalized retirement gift to honor and appreciate the yeas of commitment he/she gave to our country.
When a veteran retires from the Navy after over 2 or 3 decades’ service, he usually has similar mixed feelings as the retirees of other professions do – the sadness to leave the fellows he has worked with for long time, and the excitement to begin a new chapter of his life as well as the relief to release the responsibility from his shoulder.
So one of the best military retirement gifts is that can create an lasting memory or help retirees enjoy their new life. Such as the personalized military gift with the retiree’s name, rank, dates of service, the emblem or insignia of his branch and unit as well as the honors that he has been awarded in his military career will be received.
Therefore, you may choose a wall clock at first, with the branch emblem on the face can be hung by the retiree proudly at home, recalling the memory of his military career full of danger, harder ship and challenge.
But customize a personalized military retirement plaque is very popular choice. The plaque can be of crystal, wood or metal. The crystal plaque is beautiful and popular nowadays, it will be a big surprise to the retiree if you present him with a crystal plaque engraved with his name, rank, dates of service, his military branch and division as well as their insignia and crest at the party to celebrate his retirement.
Shadow box and display case are also perfect military retirement gifts ideas for veterans. Imagine when the retiree receives an elegant shadow box or display case filled with the medals, awards and the pictures or the models of the ship or the aircraft he operated or supported , how proud and touched he will feel?
In closing, how to choose appropriate Navy retirement gift? It normally require a bit of thought to make sure the gift fits the interests, hobbies or tastes of retirees. Personalizing these gifts will ensure that the memories of their career are never forgotten.
www.military-gifts.org
Most of the time chaplains don’t need help with prayers, it’s what we do. Sometimes, however, we face situations where we need to get the creative juices flowing or we’ve been asked to pray at an event that we’ve never prayed at before so seeing what others have used can be helpful. I publish these prayers here to help you. Feel free to use as-is or adapt to best fit your situation. No need to give credit, they’re here for you. Most of these prayers are original to me, though a couple have been adapted from other prayers passed on to me. If a prayer is wholly somebody else’s, I’ll make note of the author.
A few thoughts about prayers: Some chaplains bristle at the thought of writing a prayer or praying a written prayer. If that’s you, and you’re able to pray an effective prayer extemporaneously, keep it up! For many events, I don’t write prayers, but have in mind a basic outline to guide me when I pray. For more unique or high-visibility events, I’ll usually write out a prayer to ensure that it fits within the program’s theme and I don’t forget anything. I believe that God hears our prayers whether they’re fresh from our heart and mind, or planned out beforehand. As to length, I’ve always remembered the guidance given by the Installation Chaplain at my first assignment as a chaplain (Hugh Dukes). He advised us to keep in mind when we pray at events that there are usually Soldiers standing in the hot sun who aren’t necessarily there to hear our prayer, so keep it short, under 1 minute. I’ve used this 1 minute standard throughout my time as a chaplain though I usually come in under a minute realizing that the prayer isn’t the “main event” but should enhance (and empower) the main event.
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Change of Responsibility Ceremony for a Brigade – Invocation (Christian)
(Prayed at the 501st MI BDE Change of Responsibility Ceremony, Camp Humphreys, ROK, 11 February 2016)
Most Gracious Heavenly Father:
Thank you for this day that you have given to us and for this occasion that brings us together which reminds us of the strength of our military and the freedom it defends, as well as the role that the 501st plays in the defense of freedom here in Korea.
Thank you for Command Sergeant Major Xxxxxxx and for his committed and faithful service as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major. Thank you for the positive impact he has had on the Soldiers and mission of the brigade. I pray that you will continue to be with him, and bless him and his wife as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
I also pray that you will be with Command Sergeant Major Xxxxxx as she takes on this challenge. Provide for her everything that she needs to serve with faithfulness, courage and integrity as she continues the great work that Command Sergeant Major Xxxxxxx has begun.
Finally Lord, I pray that you will bless this time that we share together and pray that everything that is said and done here today will be pleasing to you, as you continue to bless us, the Republic of Korea and the United States of America.
In your precious and holy name I pray, Amen.
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Christmas Prayer (Christian)
(From the program for the Christmas Day Dinner, Vietnam, 1968, by Chaplain (COL) Gerard J. Gefell, Staff Chaplain)
Heavenly Father, we confess that it is our custom to accept Thy gifts and direct little thought to the giver. We thank Thee for invading history that we might for all time understand the intensity of Thy love for us. We ask that the gift of Thy Son may guide us to present our gifts of service to Thee regardless of the station of those to whom Thy love is to be revealed. Make of us modern wise men who dare to serve Thee from the heat of Vietnam to the pavement of our cities. Grant that as we celebrate Thy Nativity our lives shall radiate Thy love, Thy humility and Thy selflessness. Amen.
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Far East Forces, Prayer for (Christian)
(From “Places of Divine Worship: Far East Air Forces, United States Air Force” circa 1946-49)
Almighty God Who maketh the clouds Thy chariot and Who walketh upon the wings of the wind, regard, we pray Thee, with Thy love and continuing mercy all our brothers whose duty or pleasure it is to fly, that encompassed by assurance of Thy protecting care we may serve our country and our fellow-men with gladness; and without fear or regret.
Enkindle in our hearts and minds a deep loyalty to righteousness and liberty, that in service of the ideals for which our country was founded we may deal justly with one another and with all peoples of the earth who now are brought ever closer to us through the medium of flight.
Keep safe in Thy care all who are bound to us by ties of love, or friendship, or responsibility, and grant that by no carelessness on our part may their happiness or welfare be cast away.
Accept our thanksgiving for the accomplishments of all those comrades who have gone before us and now rest in Thee, that in remembrance of the costliness of their sacrifice we may here now strive to complete the works they would still seek to do.
Renew in us clean spirits, O God, and cheerful hearts, that with all our fellow-men, particularly those whose labors support our own, we may ever grow in mutual respect and helpfulness.
Enable us so increasingly to know the sources of true strength and courage that throughout all our days we may ever grow more kindly in thought, more gentle in word, more generous in deed.
All of this we ask in the name of Him whose service of Thee enriched us all. Amen.
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Memorial Service for a Chaplain – Benediction (Christian)
(Prayed at a memorial service held for Chaplain (CPT) Dale Goetz at USACCS, 3 September 2010)
Our most Gracious God and Father,
We thank you for your presence and love which helps us to endure through difficult times. We thank you for moments like these when we don’t have to be alone but can gather among brothers and sisters in the faith. We thank you for the peace that you have brought us today, your peace—that can exist within us even when all around us there is no peace.
As much as you comfort us who have gathered here today, we pray that in an even greater measure you will comfort Dale’s family, especially his wife Xxxxx and their three sons Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx and Xxxxx. Be for them all that they need you to be just now and continue to provide for them in every way in the days, weeks, months and years ahead that they face life without their husband, father and son.
Finally Lord, we pray that you will bring real peace to our land, so that we can rest in safety and comfort and not have to send our sons and daughters into harm’s way. Bring to us, we humbly ask you, the time when parents don’t have to grieve the loss of their children killed in war; hasten the day when spouses don’t have to say goodbye to their loved ones because they serve their country; provide for us, dear Father, a world whose children do not have to grow up fatherless because of the sin that envelopes us; and be victorious, Almighty God, over the Evil One, establish your Kingdom on Earth finally and forever, that we may enjoy your loving and peaceful presence for all eternity.
Go with us now, Lord we pray, as we reluctantly return to the world out there. Please don’t let us soon forget our brother Dale but help us to honor his sacrifice through our lives lived for your glory and Christ’s life lived through us.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Heb13:20-21)
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Memorial Tribute – Benediction (Christian)
(Prayed at the Memorial Tribute at the U.S. Army Military Police School, 23 September 2013)
Our most Gracious God and Father,
We thank you for your presence and love which helps us to endure through difficult times. We thank you for moments like these when we don’t have to be alone but can gather among others who know, at least to an extent, what we face. We thank you for the peace that you give us, your peace—that can exist within us even when all around us there is no peace.
As much as you comfort us who have gathered here today, we pray that in an even greater measure you will comfort the families and loved ones of those who have fallen. Be for them all that they need you to be just now and continue to provide for them in every way in the days, weeks, months and years ahead as they face life without their wife, husband, father, mother or child.
Finally Lord, we pray that you will bring real peace to our land, so that we can rest in safety and comfort and not have to send our sons and daughters into harm’s way. Bring to us, we humbly ask you, the time when parents don’t have to grieve the loss of their children killed in war; hasten the day when spouses don’t have to say goodbye to their loved ones because they serve their country; provide for us, dear Father, a world whose children do not have to grow up without a father or a mother because of the evil that envelopes us.
Go with us now, Lord we pray, as we reluctantly return to the world out there. Please don’t let us soon forget our comrades, friends and family who have fallen, but help us to honor their sacrifice through our lives lived for your glory.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:22).
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Military Ball – Invocation (Christian)
(Prayed at the Military Intelligence Ball in Seoul South Korea 7 May 2016)
Dear Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank you for this day you have given us and for this occasion that we gather together to celebrate the alliance which exists between the United States and the Republic of Korea, particularly tonight- in the Intelligence community.
We realize that it is our ability to work together that preserves the armistice and protects the freedom and independence of our friends.
I thank you for all of those involved in this task before us, from the newest private to the most experienced officer, and pray for each of them that they will be protected as they perform their duties but also that they will be blessed because of the significance of our mission.
I pray now that you will be with us tonight as we celebrate the successful, continued, execution of our mission and the alliance we enjoy with each other. Bless this time with your presence and bless each one here gathered.
In your holy name I pray, Amen.
Military Ball – Benediction (Christian)
(Prayed at the Military Intelligence Ball in Seoul South Korea 7 May 2016)
Dear Father:
Thank you for this time that we’ve had together: The honors, the entertainment, the laughs, and the good food.
Thank you again for all of those here, and all the others who are serving both in uniform and as civilians, in the defense of freedom in the Republic of Korea and around the world.
Thank you also for your presence with us here this evening so far, and as we continue to celebrate. I pray that you will continue to be with us, both those here and those traveling home.
Finally, Lord, I pray that you will provide safety tonight and in the days ahead. And I pray that you will especially bless the Republic of Korea and the United States of America as we live and serve together.
In your name I pray, Amen.
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National Prayer Breakfast – Invocation (Christian)
(Prayed at the USAG Fort Leonard Wood National Prayer Breakfast, 2 May 2017)
Most gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank you for this day that you have given to us to live and breathe and serve both God and our country.
Thank you for this opportunity to gather together as fellow sojourners on this journey, to pause for a moment and lift up our prayers for our comrades, our nation and our leaders. Thank you, also, for each one who has made the time and exerted the effort to be here today to be part of this noble effort.
As we also seek to be renewed and rejuvenated, attempting to gain resiliency and find meaning in a life that sometimes seems hopeless and futile, I pray that your presence will be especially evident to us this morning and that you will speak to us, and maybe even bring healing to us, as you know best.
I ask now that you will particularly bless those participating in the program, in the hope that everything that is said and done will be pleasing to you.
Now Lord, gazing toward that great looking buffet, I pray that you will bless the food that we will soon eat, that it will nourish us to be stronger to serve better.
I pray this in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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(Prayed at the USAG Fort Leonard Wood National Prayer Breakfast, 2016, author unknown)
Our gracious God and Father,
You have commanded the light to shine out of darkness and awakened us again to praise your goodness and to work for the common good of all. We worship you this morning and thank you for the privilege and honor of wearing our Nation’s uniform. May every aspect of this NPB nourish us and cause us to flourish as citizens of our great country.
Amen.
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Patriot Day or 9/11 Observance – Benediction (Christian)
(Prayed at the Fort Leonard Wood Patriot Day Observance, 11 September 2017)
Most Gracious God and Father:
I thank you for your presence both on 9/11 and today. I thank you for your peace and comfort given to those who lost friends and loved ones on that fateful day and for how you continue to give peace to those who seek it. I thank you for the courage displayed by those, who instead of thinking of their own safety, rushed in to help others in need.
As we have remembered the many who lost their lives through the evil actions of a few, I pray that we few, will be a source of life and hope for many as we live our lives in such a way that reflect the goodness in our world rather than the despair. Help us to be bringers of hope rather than fear. Help us, and our comrades-in-arms, to exemplify dedication to courage and honor in times of war, periods of peace and moments of terror, by our commitment to love and compassion in response to attitudes and actions of hate.
Finally Lord, I pray that as we leave this solemn place of remembrance, that you will continue to bless us as bearers of goodwill. Bless all who serve in uniform under the flag of the United States –and our Allies, and please Lord, help and bless the United States of America.
In your holy name I pray, Amen.
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(Prayed at the community 9/11 service in Toronto, Ohio on 11 Sep 17, by Rev. Eric Frey, pastor of the Toronto Church of the Nazarene)
We came tonight, O God, looking back over our shoulder. We leave tonight looking forward to the end of this cycle of violence, aware that peace begins with each of us.
May the events that we have remembered here tonight be more than just a memory, but rather a lesson. May we learn our lesson well. And remembering our history, may we not be doomed to repeat …it.
We pray tonight for the leaders of this nation, as they seek to restore peace to our world. Give them wisdom and give them courage as they chart our course and as they lead our world.
And we pray tonight, just as Jesus taught us to do, for our enemies. You surely love them as much as you love us. May our commitment to never forget never be a convenient excuse to never forgive. May their hearts be won by our love, and may their lives be turned toward your peace.
As so we leave, just as we have come – a people searching and longing for peace. A peace that is eternal, that is found in you, and that begins with us.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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Redeployment Ball – Invocation (Christian)
(Prayed at the 3-159 ARB Redeployment Ball in Bad Windsheim, Germany on 23 October 2009)
Most Gracious God and Father,
We are gathered again in celebration of the safe return of 3-159 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion from Iraq. We give to you the thanks and praise that flows from our hearts as we celebrate our return to Germany and reunion with our family and friends.
We are grateful to you for your help each day not only for those of us who deployed but for those who remained here in Germany protecting our backs and caring for our homes. Additionally, we give you thanks for the help that you provided our spouses and children while we were away.
But as joyful as we are for what you have done for us, our celebration is dimmed some as we remember our imprisoned, missing and fallen comrades from this war and wars past; so we also remember them and their families and ask you to provide to those affected your continued help and comfort.
Finally, Lord, we ask that you will be with us here tonight. May you be pleased with our words and actions and help us to honor you with our respect and moderation.
We also ask that you bless the food that we will be receiving, that it will bring nourishment to our bodies that we might grow stronger to serve you better.
We humbly ask all these things in your holy presence, Amen.
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Redeployment Ball – Benediction (Christian)
(Prayed at the 3-159 ARB Redeployment Ball in Bad Windsheim, Germany on 23 October 2009)
Dear Lord,
We again come to you and thank you for your goodness to us and for the good time and wise words of the evening.
We thank you for your presence with us tonight and every night.
We pray that as we end the formal portion of our evening together that you will continue to be with us and help us each step we take.
Help us to be ever mindful of your presence with us and your desire to know us personally.
Again we pray these things in your name, Amen.
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Retirement Ceremony for a Post – Invocation (Christian)
(Prayed at the USAG Yongsan/8th Army Retirement Ceremony, 31 July 2015)
Dear Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day you have given us and for this occasion that brings us together as we honor these Service Members who are retiring.
I thank you for their many, many years of faithful and honorable service to our nation as they have been a part of our military which has brought freedom and peace to many people around the world, while preserving our own.
Thank you for the impact these retirees have undoubtedly had on countless other Service Members as they have modeled, mentored and trained character, competence and commitment both in and out of uniform.
I pray that all of us gathered here today will be inspired by their careers and achievements to seek to excel in our remaining time in uniform or civilian service; to be examples of integrity and excellence; to also finish the course well as these Soldiers have done.
Finally Lord, I pray that you would bless this time today with your presence and that you would be honored as we honor those who retire today.
In your precious and holy name I pray, Amen.
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Retirement Ceremony for a Post – Invocation (Christian)
(Written by Chaplain (COL) Thomas Wheatley and prayed at the USAG Yongsan/8th Army Retirement Ceremony, 27 April 2016)
Dear Father,
We give You thanks today for the many years of service and sacrifice of all of our retirees – and their family members who have made tremendous sacrifices of their own – in support of the Army and the nation, and in furthering the cause of freedom worldwide. Only You know the true impact each of them have had over the years.
We thank You for equipping each of them with a heart for service; and we thank You ahead of time for the service we know that they will continue to provide for our nation in the next chapter of their lives. We know that You have a good plan for each of them, and we pray that You make clear to them those good plans You have for them.
We give You thanks for being with them every step of their journey in the Army – and we Know You will continue to be with them in their future. Your Word promises that You preserve our going out and our coming in from this time forth and even forevermore. Thank You for Your constant presence and Your care for each of us, no matter where we go and what we do.
We pray now Your blessings on this ceremony and all who are attending. And we pray that You keep all of us strong and vigilant as we guard the frontiers of freedom around the world.
Amen.
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United States, Prayer for – (Christian)
(Written by George Washington and included in a circular letter sent to the Governors of the States, now United, when the Army was disbanded in 1783)
Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that thou wilt keep the United States in thy holy protection; that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the divine author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Veterans Day Prayer for Our Nation – (Christian)
(Written by Chaplain Michael L. McCoy, published in The Military Chaplain, Vol 89, No 4, Winter 2016)
Almighty and Eternal God who gives us the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation, come visit us in this most sacred garden where many of our veterans have gathered and many of our nation’s heroes rest. Fill our hearts today with thankfulness for our veterans who answered the call to defend the honor and just causes of our great nation. We thank you for their patriotism, their devotion to liberty and justice, human dignity and rights, compassion and self-giving. We thank you for their diversity and their unity in mission.
Let all who would forget war reach out in compassion to those who must always remember. May the nightmares of all wars cease, so that healing can take place.
To honor our veterans, may each American find reasons to love, not hate, and strength to build than to destroy. Renew our sense of unity, hope and faith through times of testing and difficulty.
God give us a joyous spirit of celebration of our nation’s veterans and their families. Bless us now with your presence. In the Name of our God who challenges us to care. Amen.
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Weather, Good – (Christian)
(Written by Chaplain James O’Neill, 3rd Army Chief of Chaplains, at the request of LTG George Patton, 8 December 1944)
Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen.
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Women’s History Month Observation – Invocation (Christian)
(Prayed at the USAG Yongsan, ROK Women’s History Month Observance, 25 March 2016)
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day and for this occasion that brings us together to remember, honor and encourage women who have served and sacrificed in our military, in public service and in our government.
Thank you for each one: those who have gone before, those present with us here today, and those yet to come. Thank you for the enormous contribution that they have made to our nation’s defense and development as they have served around the world both in and out of harm’s way.
Thank you also, for everyone who chose to attend this observance today to remember and honor these women who have done so much.
Finally, Lord, I pray that you will bless this time today with your presence, with the hope that all that we say and do today will honor you and will bless all of us here gathered.
In your holy name I pray, Amen.
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Women’s History Month Observation – Benediction (Christian)
(Prayed at the USAG Yongsan, ROK Women’s History Month Observance, 25 March 2016)
Dear Father,
Thank you for your presence with us here today, and for all that we have heard to inspire and encourage us.
Again, I thank you for the contributions of women throughout our history who have dedicated their lives to public service in a variety of roles. I pray that their examples will not only motivate other women to keep the course, but all of us –men and women- as we serve together to make our military strong and our nation great.
Go with us now, I pray, and empower us to do good both when on duty and off, remembering that our faithful service can be the model that others follow to excellence.
In your precious name I pray, Amen.
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Prayers for the Unit Ministry Team
In 1986, while the FORSCOM Command Chaplain, Chaplain (COL) Matthew Zimmerman compiled a “prayer book” to “inspire, instruct and assist chaplains in their preparation of … public prayers.”
Here’s a PDF file of Chaplain Zimmerman’s Prayer Book: Prayers for Military Chaplains
Book of Prayers
In July 1997, the United States Air Force Chaplain Service Institute, Resource Division published this Book of Prayers which is an enormous compilation of prayers for dozens of situations. This booklet includes both contributed prayers from Air Force Chaplains as well as Army and Navy Chaplains; and also includes several significant historical prayers. Its stated purpose is to “provide the Air Force Chaplain Service with a resource of prayers relevant to the varied occasions they encounter in military ministry.” One editorial note: it seems the order or arrangement of the pdf file is out of order, which many of the “preliminary” sections being at the end.
Here’s a PDF file of Book of Prayers: Book of Prayers
The United States Air Force Chaplain Corps Book of Prayers
The Air Force Chaplain Corps’ Book of Prayers has been updated (probably several times) and “is provided as a quick reference of secular and nonsecular prayers. Special effort has been made to maximize the inclusiveness of the contents and should be adequate in meeting the pluralistic needs of our diverse military community. The content was provided by various U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps personnel as well as several commercial publishers.”
Here’s a PDF file of The United States Air Force Chaplain Corps Book of Prayers: Book of Prayers
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thechaplainkit.com
Material
All awards are hand-made of high-end optical crystal. Inscriptions are deep-etched onto the crystal surface. Optional color fill are applied manually to the engraved area afterward.
Free Personalization / Free Engraving / Free Logo Setup
Retiring from the military is a milestone achievement for veterans and their family members. Retirement ceremonies are one of the oldest military service traditions to honor and thank the retiring men and women for their service and sacrifice for our country. It offers us an opportunity to convey warm retirement wishes as they transition into civilian life.
At such a special occasion, nothing honors those retirees more like a personalized military retirement gift plaque, made especially for them. The flag flying on top draws the attention to this serious patriotic plaque. The retiree’s enlisted rank insignia and service records are proudly presented. You may add a retirement poem/quote for a personal touch.
A unique farewell gift for your fellow soldiers. A retirement gift with a lasting impression. This is a gift that will be cherished and treasured forever.
Design Alternatives / Wording Options
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