Papa's Prayer

November 1, 2008
El Soledad Memorial for Eric Daniel Terhune

Dear Heavenly Father:

This is November, the month our forefathers have designated as a special time for Thanksgiving. . . so it is altogether fitting that we gather here today to thank you for this sacred place specifically set aside to honor those who served our country with extravagant zeal above and beyond the call of duty. Their lives serve as a reminder that freedom is not free, and that often the medium of exchange is the life's book of those we cherish dearly and love so much. So easy it is for us to take for granted all the blessings you have showered on our great nation, often taking little note of the terrible price of those blessings which are in such short supply throughout the rest of the world. Thank you, Lord, for those men of vision and wisdom who selected this beautiful site, where we are gathered today to remember all who have honorably served our country, including our precious Eric who more than self his country loved, and freedom more than life. We are especially thankful for Eric's written as well as verbal testimony affirming as a young man that he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior thus removing the sting of death which otherwise would be so very unbearable. Because of Eric's trust in you, Lord, he often stated that should it be his lot to lay down his life for his country, he had little to fear since death for the believer is simply to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.

Do we miss him? Yes, Lord, we do. But we take great comfort in your assurance as given in I Cor. 2:5, "The eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which you hath prepared for them that that love you!" Not only did Eric serve his country well, but he do so standing firm in his faith -- no matter the cost. What a great example for those of us he left behind, Lord, and for this we are especially thankful grateful today. Yes, Lord, we grieve over our great loss, but at the same time we rejoice, knowing Eric is now safely home with you after proving himself to be a great patriot and man of value, worthy to be numbered among all those other great and faithful American heroes etched in stone here today.

Last but not least, dear Lord, thank you for Capt. Gordon Topper and all others whose planning, hard work and thoughtfulness resulted in such an extraordinary honor accorded Eric, as well as his family, here today. What a great demonstration of "Semper Fi" as well as a living exhibit of how the United States Marine Corps takes care of its own! Thank you also, Lord, for each and every one here, many of whom traveled great distances to witness this noble celebration today. Grant all a safe trip home, and for those active duty Marines and other service personnel facing deployment, we urgently pray in Jesus Name for their early and safe return.

In His name we lift our prayer,