A Veterans Day prayer
Monday day, we celebrated Veterans Day, a commemoration of all those who served – and those who died – wearing the uniform of the nation. Originating as Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918, it was dedicated to the end of what was then known as “The Great War.” On the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour, four years of bloodshed ceased in a conflagration that saw many millions die. In many European nations, Nov. 11 is known as “Remembrance Day,” and is marked by the tolling of bells at 11 o’clock.
Rudyard Kipling’s “Recessional,” known popularly as “Lest We Forget,” has been associated with this day and the devastation that occurred not only from 1914-1918, but in World War II and various other battles. It stands as a stark prayer for forgiveness and mercy even in those wars considered “just.”
It is a West Haven Voice tradition to present this hymn during the week of Veterans Day as a prayer for peace and for continued hope that wherever our armed forces are sent, they be on the side of what is moral and right.
God of our fathers, known of old—
Lord of our far-flung battle line—
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
The tumult and the shouting dies—
The Captains and the Kings depart—
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
Far-called our navies melt away—
On dune and headland sinks the fire—
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe—
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the Law—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard—
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding calls not Thee to guard.
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!
Amen.