The following are available for your use. If you do use this I just ask that you acknowledge the source as follows:
From "Call to Worship, Litany and Prayer of Affirmation and Inclusivity", conceived and written by Lisa Frenz Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.

+ + +

+ + +
top

Call to Worship, Litany, and Prayer
of Affirmation and Inclusivity

Affirmation of Welcome:

P: As Christ welcomed all who came to him,
A: Regardless of social status, wealth, family,
P: Ethnicity, race, gender,
A: Holiness, righteousness, purity,
P: Illness, disabilities, limitations,
A: Intelligence, mental health, abilities,
P: Religion, faith, or commitment,
C: So do we welcome all who come, all who are sent, all who join us. For God has called us all to be one family in Christ. Amen.

GATHERING SONG: All Are Welcome vs. 4, 2, 5, (Marty Haugen, Gather Comprehensive 753, GIA Music)

Litany for Reconciliation

The people described below are real. I either know them personally,
or learned of their stories from family and friends. LF

Song: People of the Word vs. 1, 2 (Ray Makeever, Dancing At The Harvest 1, AugsbergFortress Press) or other appropriate song or verse

(Spoken over music)
P: Hear the words of a receptionist in Portland:
A: My heart aches even as I smile; my parents kicked me out of my home at age 16 when I told them I was gay.
C: O Lord, may we always be a safe place, a healing place, a place blessed to say
All: All are welcome here.

P: Hear the words of a girl from Alexander:
A: My face is calm even as my stomach tightens; my classmates shun me and make fun of me every day.
C: O Lord, may we always be a safe place, a sustaining place, a place blessed to convey
All: All are welcome here.

P: Hear the words of a woman in Nashville:
A: I will never forget it. The day they burned a cross on my front yard.
C: O Lord, may we always be a safe place, a comforting place, a place blessed to demonstrate
All: All are welcome here.

P: Hear the words of a man in Rockford:
A: My eyes flinch even as I walk tall; my church asked me to leave when they found out I was a transvestite.
C: O Lord, may we always be a safe place, an accepting place, a place blessed to advertise
All: All are welcome here.

Song: People of the Word vs. 3 (Ray Makeever, Dancing At The Harvest 1, AugsbergFortress Press) or other appropriate song or verse

P: Hear the words of a woman from Long Island:
A: I don't ever want to go to Germany. I'm afraid of what I'll feel; many of my relatives died in concentration camps.
C: O Lord, may we always be a safe place, a loving place, a place blessed to proclaim
All: All are welcome here.

P: Hear the words of a woman in Chicago:
A: My lips harden even as I breath deeply; my friends of 30 years ordered me from their house when they found out my sons were gay.
C: O Lord, may we always be a safe place, a consoling place, a place blessed to assert
All: All are welcome here.

P: Hear the words of a sex offender from Columbia County:
A: I messed up big time. I know God has forgiven me, but I also know society never will.
C: O Lord, may we always be a safe place, a supporting place, a place blessed to impart
All: All are welcome here.

P: Hear the words of a woman from Los Angeles:
A: I can't return to worship. My church excommunicated me because I divorced my abusive husband and I feel unworthy.
C: O Lord, may we always be a safe place, an affirming place, a place blessed to express
All: All are welcome here.

Song: People of the Word vs. 4 (Ray Makeever, Dancing At The Harvest 1, AugsbergFortress Press) or other appropriate song or verse

P: In a world where hurts are easily dealt to others by individuals and groups,
C: We seek to heal.
P: In a world where oppression hides behind social acceptance,
C: We do our best to uncover our blindness.
P: In a world where injustice is common,
C: We work to be advocates for those wronged.
P: In a world filled with prejudice and hate, fill us with love, O Lord,
C: That we may be a people who love the loveless, touch the outcast and welcome the stranger. Let us speak the words of acceptance.
P: Amen.
C: So be it, Lord.

Greeting of peace:
P: May the peace of the Christ Jesus be with you,
C: And also with you.
P: Let us share the peace of God, the peace which knows no bounds.

Offering Prayer:

A: Let us pray,
C: God of all, thank you for the life you give me, the goods which you supplied to me, the power to make a difference in this world. Be with me in my daily tasks, my daily joys, my daily sorrows, so that every day, every minute belongs to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

+ + +

+ + +
top

The Worship Service of Remembrance and Healing
on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean Armistice is dedicated to all,
military personnel and civilians, who have experienced the effects of armed conflict.

PREFACE (Order of Worship follows below):
Anyone who has suffered the pain of armed conflict in past and present military actions may find this service meaningful. Conceived as a way to remember the past while at the same time taking new steps into the future, this service was carefully constructed with the input of a military chaplain, Chaplain Major Sipe, and veterans of both the Vietnam and Korean eras. This is a Christian ecumenical worship service with a time for extemporaneous sharing of memories, prayers and songs, as well as a Blessing for Healing for individuals.

Whether from wars past or the current conflict, the healing grace of God is necessary to us all. Violence and war leave vicious wounds, not only of body, but of mind and spirit, on all of us: soldiers, citizens, victims. None of us are exempt from that corruption. For war is a disease of societies which infects everyone. And the only cure is the healing and forgiveness of God. We hope through this worship to open the way for the Spirit to move among us and begin that healing process.

Whether you experienced war as a soldier or a civilian, whether you lost someone or lost yourself, whether American, Korean or of other national background, you will find this a safe place to face the reality of your experience, to share that with others and with God, and to move forward in your life knowing that you are not alone.

Below is the order of worship for this service. Notes on texts, etc. follow. Please feel free to use it's liturgy, litanies and prayers as best suits your worshipping community. If you do use this we just ask that you acknowledge the source as follows:
From A Worship Service of Remembrance and Healing, conceived and written by Lisa Frenz 2003 Copyright: Public Domain.

A Worship Service
of Remembrance and Healing
Dedicated to all, military personnel and civilians,
who have experienced the effects of armed conflict.

Written for the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Vietnam Peace Accord
January 27, 1973 - January 27, 2003
and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Korean Armistice
July 27, 1953 - July 27, 2003

Pre-service Music:
Prelude and Lighting of the Altar Candles
(The candles are lighted from the Remembrance candle's flame which was lit before the service)
Procession
(The clergy process in silence.)
Welcome
(Some general words of welcome may be said here.)

P: The God of peace and love be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: We come before God, not to glorify war, but to honor and celebrate those who walked into the chaos and evil that is war: those who were civilians and those who were military; those who braved the censure of society and those who gave of themselves for that society; those who survived and those who did not; those who were friends and those who were enemies. None who have waded through evil, death and sorrow are untouched in body, mind or spirit; they are beloved of God. We all were affected and changed by Military Action/Armed Conflict/the Vietnam War/the Korean Conflict/the Gulf War/_________, and all are in need of reflection, renewal, comfort and healing.
C: Amen.

Special Music: (Optional)
(If desired, a visual presentation may be shown during the Special Music and the following A Time for Reflection.)
A Time for Reflection
(spoken over music)

A1: A short quote from the media, national figures, veterans, etc. appropriate to the occasion/congregation is read.
Sung Refrain: "Shepherd me, O God" Refrain only (Haugen)
Gather Comprehensive 31, GIA Music

A2: A short quote from the media, national figures, veterans, etc. appropriate to the occasion/congregation is read.
Sung Refrain: "Shepherd me, O God" Refrain only (Haugen)
Gather Comprehensive 31, GIA Music

A3: A short quote from the media, national figures, veterans, etc. appropriate to the occasion/congregation is read.
Sung Refrain: "Shepherd me, O God" Refrain only (Haugen)
Gather Comprehensive 31, GIA Music

A4: A short quote from the media, national figures, veterans, etc. appropriate to the occasion/congregation is read.
Sung Refrain: "Shepherd me, O God" Refrain only (Haugen)
Gather Comprehensive 31, GIA Music

P: O God of all, we thank you for the gift of life which you have given us in Christ Jesus, who in full divine knowledge became human, walked with us, lived with us, suffered with us and, in a sacrifice beyond comprehension, gave up immortality for death in order that we might regain the life we lost to sin. Teach us to honor all life, all creation, that we might be good stewards of what you have given into our care. Be with us if, like Christ, we are called to endure suffering and death in order that others might live; we ask this in Jesus' Name.
C: Amen.

Song: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me;
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
Text: John Newton, 1725-1807

Scripture Reading
Choir Anthem (optional)
Stand:
Scripture Reading
Sit:
Music for Meditation
Message

A Time for Memories
P: Let us share our stories: the times of joy, the times of suffering, the times of sorrow,
A: The times long past, the times now present–stemming from the past, the times of war, the times of conflict/our experience/Korea/Vietnam/the Gulf War/__________.
P: Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:20-24

A: Let us light a candle for remembrance, a light to illumine the darkness, a light to guide us to hope.

The individual candles are lighted in silence.
When all are lighted, the congregation is invited to share their personal reflections, remembrances, or prayers.
At the end of the Time for Remembrance the Taps may be played.

Trumpet Solo: Taps (Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield)
Blow out individual candles at the end of the solo.
Silence

Song: Healer of Our Every Ill (Haugen) With One Voice 738, AugsburgFortress Press (also in Gather Comprehensive, GIA Music)
(or other appropriate song)

Prayer for Forgiveness and Healing
(Spoken over music)
Paper has been provided to write down a concerns or confessions which may be brought forward and burned as part of our prayer.

Stand:
P: O Lord, you are indeed the healer of all our ills. We bring to you, Lord, our bodies, minds and spirits hurting and broken by the violence, ills, trauma and cares of a world separated from you. Come to us now with your healing powers.
C: Breathe on me, O God, and make me whole.
A: O God, we ask that you heal us. Give us the strength, health, wisdom and knowledge found only through you. Send your life-giving Spirit so that we may live our lives with courage in the profound peace of your love. Come to us now with your healing powers.
C: Breathe on me, O God, and make me whole.
P: O God, we ask that you sustain those who seek to alleviate the pain and suffering of this world. Give strength, courage, wisdom and knowledge to all doctors and orderlies, nurses and clerks, psychiatrists, researchers, and all other medical care givers, volunteers and professionals. Send your life-giving Spirit so that their ministries may bring healing and promote health. Come to us now with your healing powers.
C: Breathe on me, O God, and make me whole.
A: Be also with those who work to heal the wounds of societies and nations. Guide, protect and strengthen our lawyers and police, chaplains and pastors, healthcare and social workers, politicians, military, diplomats and all others who work for economic and social reform. Send your life-giving Spirit that they may promote your love and grace, bringing healing to those in conflict and stability to those who are vulnerable. Come to us now with your healing powers.
C: Breathe on me, O God, and make me whole.

Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, or Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Evening Prayer p. 312, AugsburgFortress Press

P: As a parent embraces a wounded child so does God reach out and pull close all of us: those who fell the hardest, hurt the most, suffered the worst; no matter if the wounds were self-inflicted, out of terrible deeds done for a greater good, acts of violence or fear. God not only accepts, but welcomes and loves everyone, cleaning, healing, and restoring to wholeness of heart mind, body and soul those who cry out and run into God's embrace.

Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, or Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Evening Prayer p. 312, AugsburgFortress Press

P: War is a great evil of our world, and we are all part of it: citizens of this society and those who fight for those citizens. That is a reality we face every time we send our fellow citizens to be soldiers for us.
A: The killing and wounding of all individuals in any war is a responsibility we all must accept, a guilt we all must all bear. And so we confess to God who loves us,
C: O Lord, hear me, for I have done this.

Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, or Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Evening Prayer p. 312, AugsburgFortress Press

P: Maimed and maiming, wounded and wounding.
A: Evil upon evil, brokenness upon brokenness.
C: O Lord, hear me, for I have done this.

Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, or Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Evening Prayer p. 312, AugsburgFortress Press

P: Hated and hating, despised and despising.
A: Sin upon sin, trespass upon trespass.
C: O Lord, hear me, for I have done this.

Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, or Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Evening Prayer p. 312, AugsburgFortress Press

P: We are maimed and maim,
A: Are hated and hate.
P: We are the defender and the aggressor.
A: We are the innocent and the guilty.
P: We are the victim and the enemy—
A: All of us—in our acts, our thoughts, our hearts.
C: O Lord, hear me, for I have done this.

Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, or Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Evening Prayer p. 312, AugsburgFortress Press

P: How do we as citizens of this country, soldiers, friends and family of soldiers, victims of war, how do we respond? How do we deal with such things as God's people? Not by our acts of contrition,
A: Not by our own efforts,
P: But only by allowing God to take on our guilt, our pain, our debt, our anger.
C: Forgive us Lord God. Heal us, we pray. Accept our confusion, our guilt, our helplessness; remove what is evil in us; receive it; take it; purify it in the fires of your eternal love.

Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, or Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Evening Prayer p. 312, AugsburgFortress Press

Sit:
Silence
(During the silence you may write your concern or confession on your paper)

The Blessing for Healing
(Music begins)
At this time you may come forward to the brazier with your paper
and place it in the fire to be burned.

You may then go, one or two at a time, to the altar rails for
a Blessing for Healing, or you may return to your seat.

P: God so loved this world and this people that God sent Christ to suffer and die for us. Accept now that gift. Know that you are forgiven, reconciled, accepted and loved.
C: Amen.
A: Lord, we remember now before you all those who have suffered, are suffering, or who are in need of your protection and care . . .
(You may speak aloud the First Name of anyone you wish to mention.)

(If Holy Communion is not served, you may continue with the Lord's Prayer, other appropriate prayer and/or the Blessing.)

The Lord's Supper
Eucharistic Prayer
P: For the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and after giving thanks, He broke it and said,
"This is My body, which is for you;
do this in remembrance of Me."
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, saying,
"This cup is the new covenant which is in My blood;
do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

P: Let us pray,
C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

P: Even in the dark places of this world God's love lives in our hearts and shines in those around us, giving us the joy of knowing the immediacy of life. Taste and see that God is good

Sit:
Those wishing to partake of Holy Communion may come forward to receive the bread and wine.

P: May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God's grace, now and always.
C: Amen.
Post Communion Prayer

A: Even in the dark places of this world God's love lives in our hearts and shines in those around us, giving us the joy of knowing the immediacy of life.

Blessing
(The following or other appropriate blessing is said.)
P: The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be caring towards you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
C: Amen.

Song: The River Will Rise (Tom Conry) Oregon Catholic Press
(or other appropriate song)

Dismissal
(The following or other appropriate dismissal is said.)
P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Postlude

Notes, Quotes and Websites for
A Worship Service
of Remembrance and Healing
Dedicated to all, military personnel and civilians,
who have experienced the effects of armed conflict.

Written for the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Vietnam Peace Accord
January 27, 1973 - January 27, 2003
and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Korean Armistice
July 27, 1953 - July 27, 2003

Please note that the Christian language of this service may be changed
to suit Judaic, Islamic, or other religious traditions. Also, please feel free to use just parts of the service to meet local needs and limitations. LF

You will need:
Remembrance Candle
Small candles and holders for individuals to hold
Small (2x3 inches suggested) pieces of blank light weight paper for each person
Brazier to burn paper in

P = Presiding Minister
A = Assisting Minister
A1 through A4 = Assistants/Readers/Lectors
C = Congregation

Scripture Readings:
First Reading:
Zechariah 12:1 – 13:1
1: An Oracle The word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus says the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: 2: "Lo, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the peoples round about; it will be against Judah also in the siege against Jerusalem. 3: On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it shall grievously hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will come together against it. 4: On that day, says the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But upon the house of Judah I will open my eyes, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 5: Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, `The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.' 6: On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot in the midst of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they shall devour to the right and to the left all the peoples round about, while Jerusalem shall still be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem. 7: "And the LORD will give victory to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be exalted over that of Judah. 8: On that day the LORD will put a shield about the inhabitants of Jerusalem so that the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the LORD, at their head. 9: And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10: And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of compassion and supplication, so that, when they look on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a first-born. 11: On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadadrim'mon in the plain of Megid'do. 12: The land shall mourn, each family by itself; the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; 13: the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shim'e-ites by itself, and their wives by themselves; 14: and all the families that are left, each by itself, and their wives by themselves. 1: On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness."

Psalm 79
1: O God, the heathen have come into thy inheritance; they have defiled thy holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. 2: They have given the bodies of thy servants to the birds of the air for food, the flesh of thy saints to the beasts of the earth. 3: They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them. 4: We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those round about us.
5: How long, O LORD? Wilt thou be angry for ever? Will thy jealous wrath burn like fire? 6: Pour out thy anger on the nations that do not know thee, and on the kingdoms that do not call on thy name! 7: For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his habitation. 8: Do not remember against us the iniquities of our forefathers; let thy compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.
9: Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for thy name's sake! 10: Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of thy servants be known among the nations before our eyes! 11: Let the groans of the prisoners come before thee; according to thy great power preserve those doomed to die! 12: Return sevenfold into the bosom of our neighbors the taunts with which they have taunted thee, O Lord! 13: Then we thy people, the flock of thy pasture, will give thanks to thee for ever; from generation to generation we will recount thy praise.

Second Reading:
John 14:1, 16-31 (or other appropriate scripture)
1: "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.
16: And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, 17: even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. 18: I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. 19: Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. 20: In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21: He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." 22: Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" 23: Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24: He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. 25: These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. 26: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28: You heard me say to you, `I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. 29: And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe. 30: I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; 31: but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go hence."

Pre-Service Music: Please note, that whenever possible I strongly feel that "live" music should be used rather than "canned" recordings.

Some Suggested Songs:
For Vietnam: Where Have All the Flowers Gone (Seeger), Canticle/Scarbourgh Fair (Simon), Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon)

Special Music:
Highly Suggest Hot Gates (Christopher Torr) as sung by Laurisa Rauch of South Africa
Laurika Rauch's "Hot Gates" on her CD 19 Treffers van 21 Jaar

The Laurika Rauch Website is http://www.laurikarauch.com. Choose English. 'Treffers vir Klavier en Kitaar' which has "Hot Gates" in it. I don't know if this is still available, but you can contact Laurika about it.

Suggested Choir Anthem:
Holy Darkness (Dan Schutte) Oregon Catholic Press, Portland, Oregon

General:
"War is not its own end, except in some catastrophic slide into absolute damnation. It's peace that's wanted. Some better peace than the one you started with."
Lois McMaster Bujold

Vietnam:
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.
And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind."
From the Wall:
Major Michael O'Donnell, Killed in Action, March 24, 1970, Dak To, Vietnam.

"I do not find it easy—to send the flower of our youth, our finest young men, into battle. But as long as there are men who hate and destroy, we must have the courage to resist. We will stand in Vietnam."
Lyndon B. Johnson, President

Excerpts regarding statistics as well as diary excerpts by Edward Blanco,
Alpha Company, 3/506th* Tet Casualties: ,
Excerpts below from After Tet by Ron Spector ,

Korea:
"I have just left your fighting sons in Korea. They have met all tests there, and I can report to you without reservation, they are splendid in every way. It was my constant effort to preserve them and end this savage conflict honorably and with the least loss of time and minimum sacrifice of life. Its growing bloodshed has caused me the deepest anguish and anxiety. Those gallant men will remain often in my thoughts and in my prayers always."
General Douglas MacArthur, April 20, 1951

"OUR NATION HONORS HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS WHO ANSWERED THE CALL TO DEFEND A COUNTRY THEY NEVER KNEW AND A PEOPLE THEY NEVER MET."
Inscription on the National Korean War Veterans Memorial

*George, Charles
Rank: Private First Class
Organization: U.S. Army, Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Songnae-dong, Korea, Nov. 30, 1952.
Entered service at: Whittier, N.C.
Birth: 1932, Cherokee, N.C.
Killed in action: Nov. 30, 1952
G.O. NO.: 19, March 18, 1954.
Citation: Private First Class Charles George, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company C 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy on the night of 30 November 1952, near Songnae-dong, Korea. He was a member of a raiding party committed to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope of the key terrain feature, the group was subjected to intense mortar and machinegun fire and suffered several casualties. Throughout the advance, he fought valiantly and, upon reaching the crest of the hill, leaped into the trenches and closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. When friendly troops were ordered to move back upon completion of the assignment, he and two comrades remained to cover the withdrawal. While in the process of leaving the trenches a hostile soldier hurled a grenade into their midst. Pfc. George shouted a warning to one comrade, pushed the other soldier out of danger, and, with full knowledge of the consequences, unhesitatingly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion. Although seriously wounded in this display of valor, he refrained from any outcry which would divulge the position of his companions. The two soldiers evacuated him to the forward aid station and shortly thereafter he succumbed to his wound. Private George's indomitable courage, consummate devotion to duty, and willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.
From: Medal of Honor Recipient, www.korea50.mil

Murphy, Raymond G.
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced).
Place and date: Korea, Feb. 3, 1953.
Entered service at: Pueblo, Colo.
Birth: 1930, Pueblo, Colo.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Platoon Commander of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953. Although painfully wounded by fragments from an enemy mortar shell while leading his evacuation platoon in support of assault units attacking a cleverly concealed and well-entrenched hostile force occupying commanding ground, Second Lieutenant Murphy steadfastly refused medical aid and continued to lead his men up a hill through a withering barrage of hostile mortar and small-arms fire, skillfully maneuvering his force from one position to the next and shouting words of encouragement. Undeterred by the increasing intense enemy fire, he immediately located casualties as they fell and made several trips up and down the fire-swept hill to direct evacuation teams to the wounded, personally carrying many of the stricken Marines to safety. When reinforcements were needed by the assaulting elements, Second Lieutenant Murphy employed part of his Unit as support and, during the ensuing battle, personally killed two of the enemy with his pistol. With all the wounded evacuated and the assaulting units beginning to disengage, he remained behind with a carbine to cover the movement of friendly forces off the hill, and though suffering intense pain from his previous wounds, seized an automatic rifle to provide more firepower when the enemy reappeared in the trenches. After reaching the base of the hill, he organized a search party and again ascended the slope for a final check on missing Marines, locating and carrying the bodies of a machine-gun crew back down the hill. Wounded a second time while conducting the entire force to the line of departure through a continuing barrage of enemy small-arms, artillery and mortar fire, he again refused medical assistance until assured that every one of his men, including all casualties, had preceded him to the main lines. His resolute inspiring leadership. exceptional fortitude and great personal valor reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Murphy and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
From: Medal of Honor Recipient, www.korea50.mil

Myers, Reginald R.
Rank: Major
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps, 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, (Reinforced).
Place and date: Near Hagaru-ri, Korea, Nov. 29, 1950.
Entered service at: Boise, Idaho.
Birth: 1919, Boise, Idaho. "TYPE=PICT;ALT=PhotoofReginalR.Myers"
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Executive Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 November 1950. Assuming command of a composite unit of Army and Marine service and headquarters elements totaling approximately 250 men, during a critical stage in the vital defense of the strategically important military base at Hagaru-ri, Major Myers immediately initiated a determined and aggressive counterattack against a well entrenched and clearly concealed enemy force numbering and estimated 4,000. Severely handicapped by lack of trained personnel and experienced leaders in his valiant efforts to regain maximum ground prior to daylight, he persisted in constantly exposing himself to intense, accurate and sustained hostile fire in order to direct and supervise the employment of his men and to encourage and spur them on in pressing the attack. Inexorably moving forward up the steep, snow-covered slope with his depleted group in the face of apparently insurmountable odds, he concurrently directed artillery and mortar fire with superb skill and, although losing 170 of his men during fourteen hours of raging combat in sub-zero temperatures, continued to reorganize his unit and spearheaded the attack which resulted in 600 enemy killed and 500 wounded. By his exceptional and valorous leadership throughout, Major Myers contributed directly to the success of his unit in restoring the perimeter. His resolute spirit of self-sacrifice and unfaltering devotion to duty enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
From: Medal of Honor Recipient, www.korea50.mil

June 25, 1950 the 38th Parallel marked the beginning of a war that was to be like no other. Many years have passed since the end of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in North Korea. The American public has all but forgotten the violence and valor that took place there at the fighting man's level. The fiftieth anniversary of the Korean War gives both the armed forces and the nation an opportunity to honor those veterans who served in that bitter war. The battle continues along the present demilitarized zone. The location of this line largely above the 38th Parallel is historic evidence that in Korea, aggression did not pay. In Korea the American soldier with his Korean and United Nations allies fought with bravery and skill against his communist foes.
From Korean War Veterans Memorial http://www.nps.gov/kwvm/home.htm

I remember the morning
The clouds below my lofty perch
They drift like a river
Spilling through the mountain gaps
And into the valley

I remember the day
The hillsides stripped of life
The valleys green with terraced crops
A land, so ravaged, and witness to such pain
Yet starkly beautiful

I remember the evening
That last protest of day
Ignites the sky and shines fiery red upon the cliffs
A sky turning dark
The darkness a cold steel gray

I remember the night
Darker than any darkness I ever knew
A sky with more stars than I have ever seen
And then the flares, the many flares
They breach the peace, and remind me

3,000 Refugees Move to Tents
PUSAN, Korea, Dec. 28- The last 3,000 Pusan fire refugees, housed in the warehouse shelter of the 7th Major Port, were moved into "tent cities" Christmas Eve, Col. Irvin L. Harlow, Korean base Section civil affairs officer, announced Saturday.
The warehouse, pressed into emergency service the day after the Pusan fire, sheltered and fed up to 10,000 people.
A hospital train was moved to the pier to provide medical aid for the sick and injured. Immediately after the warehouse was opened more than 6,000 orphans whose homes had been consumed by the flames flocked to the emergency shelter. While the refugees stayed at the pier they were fed C and K rations at first and later rice and Korean food supplied by the Korean Civil Assistance Commission.
Dec. 11 the first group was moved from the pier when tents were erected in a gutted area of the city. With the emptying of the pier 12,285 refugees are living in tents where they will remain until permanent housing now in the planning stage is completed.
From Pacific Stars & Stripes, December 28, 1953

Korean Mother, Child United After Long Trip
With U.S. 24th Div-100 mile journey over hot dusty roads ended happily for two Korean women when a little eight-year old girl in an American dress rushed into the arms of her mother and grandmother.
Chae Yang Ja was one of the war's lost children when WO J. R. Norman, Lawrence, Mass., found her in the streets of Seoul during the painful retreat from North Korea last December. She was hungry, tired, and suffering from the bitter cold. Norman shared his C-rations with her and from that day until her happy reunion, little Chae was "mothered" by Norman's outfit.
"The boys acted like a bunch of old grandmothers with their first grandchild," Norman said. They brought her warm clothes, dresses, toys and dolls, and other little girls' delights when they came back from R&R leaves in Japan.
All during the "adoption," Norman and his men questioned refugees on their way to Seoul about her parents, and told them where Chae could be found in case they found the girl's mother.
It happened. Chae's widowed mother and her grandmother started out on their journey to the 24th Division when they heard the child was safe and in good hands.
From Pacific Stars & Stripes, July 31, 1951

Vietnam:
My Enemy!South Vietnam,Tay Ninh Province
by: Pat Camunes(© Copyright, 1999)
http://www.war-stories.com/tay-ninh-camunes-my-enemy-1967.htm
Written from the point of view of a 15 year old Viet Cong girl he killed.
APVNV Pat(Beanie) CamunesD/4/31 Lt Inf BdeTay Ninh 12/'66-04/'67Tam Ky 04/'67-12/'67

http://www.vietvet.org/tapsgal.htm
- story written by Mary, sister of John Francis Hartzheim ATM2, U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran KIA 27 February 1968 and published in The Oregonian in July 1999 is of particular local interest to Oregonians.

49 year ago, Korean War broke out, and my mother was born three days after that. My grandmother told me that when she was packing to escape, my aunt was so excited becase she thought that her family was going to picnic. But we all know it wasn't that pleasant trip.

During that chaos, my mother was born, and my grandmother was so worried about her baby. Because nothing was unsure for her future. Now she has a husband and two children who loves her very much. And she is a elementary school teacher.

I am her daughter who is about to graduate from university. I bought a shirt for her birthday, it is green. Green is great on her.

I am writing to you for saying how I am great for your being at that tragic war. Not only my country's young men but also young men from all over the world fought for justice, peace and liberty. Consequently, you got hurt and even killed. I am sure my mom has had happy life because of that sacrifice of yours.

I thank you for safety of my mom and her family. Because of you, I am here having my mother whom I love more that anything in the world. Therefore I want you to know that as long as Korea exists, as long as my mother lives and I live and my kids ( I don't have them yet, though ) live, you can never be forgettable.

I am a second generation Korean American. I came across your site researching the Korean War for my College paper. I only know the tragedies of the Korean War through the stories and recollections told to me by members of my family who has survived the war. My father was only about nine when the country was torn apart.He remembers the kindess of American soldiers who handed him candy and chocolate and reasurred him that things will be o.k. with a warm smile.
That was the only reassurance he had..

I am so grateful for your sacrifices. Thank you. . . I am heartbroken as I read about the thousands of American soldiers lost and wounded.. I just wanted to take this time to thank you once again for your sacrifices.

My father's family fled to South Korea from the North to escape tyranny and communism. If American forces had not been there to secure the South, I wouldn't be here today.

January 18, 1953
Heartbreak Ridge::
As Cmdr Co. H, 160th Regt, 40th Inf Div, I had been on the "Ridge" since Oct. '52. On this particular night, which happened to be my 11th wedding anniversary, the commies decided to attack. We started to count the mortar and arty rounds coming in as preparation so that we could report to Bn Hq, but very soon it became impossible to count. Then they hit us. The battlefield was lit up with searchlights and they came with bugles blaring. They broke thru our MLR and were all aroound us. My machine guns and recoilless were attached out to the rifle companies, so I was chogying the line while my 1st Sgt was busy in charge of firing our 81s from near my CP. We finally drove them back, but not before we caused them many dead and wounded. We found dead bodies with no weapons of any kind. Many of these soldiers were carrying only short pieces of rope, obviously seeking to take prisoners if they could. Talk about being brain-washed. I killed one enemy soldier with my .45 during the course of this action. When it was over, and I made my report to Bn, I leaned out of my CP and threw up. I shall never forget this experience. We finally left the Ridge on Feb 1. Submitted by:
Marvin M. Muskat
Submitted by: Marvin M. Muskat ( luckymarv1@aol.com_ )
http://korea50.army.mil/index.html

Remembering a boy in Kapsan.
I remember another sad incident in Kapsan. We found a little boy, ragged and dirty. He could not speak except for some guttural noises and utterances. We took him into our quarters to bathe him and care for him. We dressed him in spare GI clothing and gave him GI rations, but the boy was terrified of the 'American imperialists who eat kids'. When his moist clean skin was exposed to the sub-zero winds of Kapsan, it immediately burst open. He ran away so fast that we could not catch him. I pray to God that that poor little boy of Kapsan has somehow survived the War and that he remembers kindly the American 'imperialists" who tried to save him.
GI Joe, Feb 9, 1998, from the Korean War Children's Memorial

House on The Hill
By Shorty the Tiger
After 15 months as a Prisoner of War with the North Korean Security Forces my group was turned over to the Chinese Army at camp 3, Chang-song North Korea. We were on the banks of the Yalu River. That area was what we call wilderness. No towns to speak of. Mostly farming and mining. It is very mountainous and beautiful.
When it became known that peace talks were taking place the Chinese started to feed us very well. The food came by small san pan type boats and we had to unload them and carry the food up the hill to our camp. Between our camp and where the boats came in there was a lonely house and there was always a group of children playing there. When they would see us they would make a fist except of the little finger and spit over the little finger for us to see. I was told the children were showing that they hated us. I always felt bad when the children did this.
One day we were returning to the camp with eggs in huge carrying baskets with a carrying pole for two men to carry the load. The guards halted the group and gave us a break just across from the "house on the hill." The children were spitting at us and the guards were laughing about it.
Suddenly when the guard was not looking I hid several eggs in the rocks. I motioned to the children. We soon were on our way back to camp with the eggs. I thought that was a stupid thing to do. I could have been beaten for that or sent to the hole in the mountain. It was about two weeks later that I was on another work detail to the boats.
As we approached the "house on the hill" the children were staring and staring. They were not spitting at us like they normally would. Suddenly one of them pointed at me and raised her fist but this time it was a thumbs up sign. Soon all the children did the same thing. I felt so good and I stiffened my back and waved as we passed by.
We communicated that day, those young children and I. I remember it well and I am sure those children who are now adults remember it as well and no matter what they were taught or told about us Americans they knew we were not all bad.
I continued to leave things for the children and when we left that mountain valley the local people didn't cheer or throw rocks. They just waved. The people of North Korea are just like the people of South Korea. They eat the same food, speak the same language and share a rich heritage. It is their form of government that is so oppressive.
I hate communism but I do remember several acts of kindness by the North Korean people. Just remember the children on both sides suffered greatly in that tragedy that occurred 50 years ago this year.
The war was a victory because the Americans and the United Nations drew a line in the sand and told the Communist ‘no more". It has been downhill for them ever since.
In Peace and Freedom,
Shorty the Tiger
from the http://www.koreanchildren.org/

December 1, 1952
38th parallel:
Korean Winter-The Other Enemy The devastating effect of the Korean winter, especially in the mountain areas of the thirty-eigth parallel, was a real adversary for us foxhole grunts, and we weren't equipped for the harsh conditions, but G.I. ingenuity prevailed. The majestic mountains of Korea stand gargantuan and sovereign over all their surroundings, including the valleys, rivers and the s ky, but how foreboding to the soldier that must fight and die there, especially when fighting two fronts: the opposing army and the harsh winter. For fighting the enemy we were trained; in combating the winter weather it was dig or die. We dug foxholes, weapon positions, bunker s, and connecting trenches for protection against enemy attacks, and the on-slaught of winter. Our bunkers would be constructed on an opposite slope for protection against direct enemy fire. We would heat the bunkers with napalm placed in a small combat ration can and positioned inside a five gallon size can with a stovepipe constructed from metal ammunitio n canisters. If we used too much napalm it would heat the makeshift stove to a cherry red, including the stovepipe. Due to our urgen cy to get warm, the overzealous use of napalm could burn down the entire bunker, which would force us out in the cold once again bui lding a new bunker. The bunker was used as a command post, first-aid station, for sleeping, heating combat rations, etc. It was a ca stle in the rough. Our clothing was of WWII issue, that is, wool olive drab shirts and trousers, field jackets with liners, and parkas. When caught in wet conditions, we learned that wool holds body heat--some consolation, huh! The underlying problem was the undergarment (longjohns) that caused an irresistible desire to scratch. Thermal boots were available, but were ineffective in consequence to excessive persp iration of the feet that resulted when walking a short distance. Can one imagine taking the boots off and exposing wet socks and feet in freezing weather! We stuck with the WWII leather boots. The dead Chinese soldiers that we observed wore trousers and jackets that resembled a bed comforter. We G.I.'s unknowingly copied th e Chinese quilted uniforms in respect that we would stand upright in our sleeping bags, fully dressed, when on alert at weapon posit ions to keep from freezing. Odors were somewhat camouflaged by the cold. There was however, a problem regarding the crows that would gather by the hundreds and gorge themselves on the dead. When startled by the sporadic artillery fire, they would scatter everywhere. A few would land near our trenches where they would regurgitate their stomach contents. There is nothing--nothing that compares with that malodorous stench. God forbid! In some circumstances we were rationed to one canteen of water a day. We used it for combat ration coffee, brushing our teeth, and w e would dampen our handkerchief and clean our necessities. From a cold foxhole, I have witnessed a "live fire" rehearsal for Armageddon. Billy Reneau CW3 USA RET 2802 Cimarron Blvd. Apt #305 Corpus Christi, TX 78414-3457
http://korea50.army.mil/index.html

Korea:
About the Special Events Speech Series
http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/menu.php
1. The Special Events Speech Series consists of prepared speeches for holidays and events of special interest to Army audiences and the general public. The series regularly includes speeches for Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Army Birthday and Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day; on occasion it also includes speeches on other topics, such as women in the military, POW-MIA recognition, and black history. We print some of our speeches; we send them all by electronic message to Army public affairs offices, and we post them on our electronic bulletin board -- Public Affairs Link. You'll find them also at this web site.
We encourage speakers to adapt these speeches as needed for local use. We invite editors of Army newspapers to publish the speeches as part of command print coverage of the holiday or event. We also invite editors of nongovernmental newspapers, magazines and newsletters to publish them.
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Write to HQDA(SAPA-CI / SPEECHES), CHIEF OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, 1500 ARMY PENTAGON 2D622, WASHINGTON, DC 20310-1500. Phone or fax us as follows: DSN phone 227-0050; commercial phone (703) 697-0050; DSN fax 227-5746; commercial fax (703) 697-5746. Send e-mail to benckaa@hqda.army.mil
Korean War Project
http://www.koreanwar.org/html/korean_war_databases.html
Korean War Project
P.O. Box 180190
Dallas, TX 75218-0190
214-320-0342
Newsletter: Hal and Ted Barker
hbarker@kwp.org tbarker@kwp.org

Commemoration Army - Partnership - calendar - photos - history
http://korea50.army.mil/index.html

Korean War Veterans National Museum & Library
Home: http://www.theforgottenvictory.org/
Factory Stores of Tuscola
Suite C500, Tuscola Blvd.
Tuscola, IL 61953
217-253-5813 - Sharon & Liz
888-295-7212 - Toll Free
Headquarter's Office - Sharon Corum
Bob Kenney, Board President
Jae Won Lee, Trustee

Contact: Office for more information.
Contact: Webmaster for website comments.
Mt. Carmel Evangelical Lutheran Church
515 S.W. Maplecrest Drive, Portland, OR 97219
503-244-5143
Updated: January 8, 2008

+ + +

+ + + top

Call to Worship, Litany, and Prayer of Affirmation and Inclusivity

Litany for Reconciliation

Offering Prayer:

+ + +

+ + + top

The Worship Service of Remembrance and Healing on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean Armistice is dedicated to all, military personnel and civilians, who have experienced the effects of armed conflict.

+ + +
top

Call to Worship, Litany, and Prayer
of Affirmation and Inclusivity

+ + +
top

The Worship Service of Remembrance and Healing
on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean Armistice is dedicated to all,
military personnel and civilians, who have experienced the effects of armed conflict.