Almighty God,

We pause here to invoke your presence on this very special day, the 229th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, and as we pray, we are careful to acknowledge You as Sovereign Ruler, Eternal Power, and Supreme Commander of the universe. We rise, with honorable people around the globe, to give thanks for the men and women who claim the title of Marine. For centuries they have faithfully fought for freedom and bled, and died, for that which is right. The oppressed, downtrodden and disenfranchised peoples of this world have rejoiced to see them land upon their shores, bringing with them the hope of liberty and the promise of peace. The wicked recoil from their wrath.

The thirsty soul has often drunk the last drop of water from the canteen of an American Marine, and more than one famished child has eaten the final morsel of a C-ration or MRE, and still thousands more have wept beside the graves of brave men and women who have paid with their lives to purchase the breeze of freedom they now enjoy.

In this moment, we honor those Marines who have gone before us, yet we also ask, O God, that you lead, guide, and protect our Marines who are in harm's way today. People cut from the same holy cloth as those who have preceded us. Americans who sacrifice all for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean. Preserve them in the heat of battle that they may know sweet taste of victory.

Remind each us -- those of us who love Marines, those of us who are former Marines and those who are currently serving as Marines -- remind us in this cake cutting ceremony that the sweet taste of victory comes only after a season spent in the oven of adversity.

Equip us all, O Lord, to do our duty wherever that may lead. Watch over all of our service members and their families. God bless Marines everywhere and God bless America!

Amen.