Dear Lord,
As the sun sets on another day,
Glowing softly in the west,
Please set a special place aside,
For our wonderful country's best.
For the selfless men and women,
Who knowingly give their all,
Who stand guard 'round out banner,
And shall never let it fall.
They leave behind both spouse and child,
To protect and preserve our land,
They leave behind both hearth and home,
In service great and grand.
They endure heartache and hardship,
For an occasional word from home,
They endure sharp criticism,
And often feel alone.
But Lord, please touch their souls tonight,
Somehow let them know we care,
That we're standing right behind them,
Even when they're 'Over There.'
And Lord, if they're wet and cold in the darkness,
Of a wild and rolling sea,
Or sweltering in the desert sands,
And waiting patiently,
If they're soaring through the silver clouds,
Or standing guard out in the rain,
If they're laughing, living, loving,
Or in quiet, heartfelt pain,
Please, Lord, tonight embrace them,
Soldiers, Sailors, one and all,
For they dearly love their country,
And they daily give their all.
For the young Airman away from home,
For the first time in his life,
And the officer far away,
From his children and his wife.
For the women dressed in olive drab,
Instead of skirts or jeans,
Because when you say 'Patriot,'
They can tell you what it means.
And Lord, if before the night is through,
Heaven's gate should open wide,
And a Soldier, Airman, Sailor,
Or Marine should step inside.
If he straightens to attention,
With a ckicking of the boot,
And proudly states his presence,
With a textbok Sharp salute,
Embrace him, Lord, and love him.
In Your Great and Perfect Way,
For he was one of the best, Dear Lord,
The Pride of the UÐSÐA.