"God of our fathers, whose Almighty Hand has protected our nation, secured our liberties and blessed our people, on this sacred ground we bow in humble gratitude for the gift of freedom, of life and of service to others.

"Surely your goodness and your mercies have followed us all the days of our lives, but on this day we pause to remember that our blessings and our liberties and our rights have been secured at great sacririce to others.

These gifts we treasure, knowing they are ours because of the valor of these fallen heroes and those at eternal rest throughout our nation and the free world. O God help us to be good stewards of our inheritance.

"We also lift our prayers on behalf of our nation's men and women who have pledged their lives to defend our values against the evils of terrorism. Give them courage, perseverance and moral clarity in the midst of a complex and dangerous environment. Protect them by your might, great God our King.

"We ask you to console and strengthen those who mourn the loss of their loved one. May this memorial service be an appropriate tribute to honor the valor and the sacrifices made by these and by all generations of Americans.

"We ask your divine blessings be upon your servant, our commander-in-chief, George W. Bush. Through his leadership and the leadership of those who serve with him, guide this one nation under God in clear paths toward liberty and justice for all.

"We pray for peace in the gentle name of the Prince of Peace. We pray for victory and security in the mighty name of the Lord of Hosts. And we pray for personal and national redemption in the gracious name of our Redeemer and our Savior, Amen."