We stand in rows to honor them
whose lives were taken by another like them
also in uniform but not uniform in purpose.

Fine men and women in uniform
trained with their weapons standing ready to fight
as such brave volunteers, there for country, desperation, or lack of job,
prepare to defend as they did in World War II
when the Enemy also had guns and uniforms and stood in line.

Our Enemy has no uniform except a uniform hate burning in desire for revenge
of supposed wrongs and real wrongs done long ago and yesterday.

How do we shoot this Enemy? How many? Where? We call them a Name, but
what is in a name? Better we call them Hate. Can we kill Hate with guns? Can we put out a raging fire by putting on more fuel?

Our Soldiers, may God bless and protect them, are not to be blamed – they are to be admired and deeply respected for the will to serve and the skill they display.

But we must not continue sending them to fight one war when the Enemy fights another.

Help us God to see the way - a way to fight Hate. You said we fight Hate with Love.
But how, Lord, how do we befriend an angry wounded tiger?

Our certainty and glibness fails us.

We humbly pray.