I share this prayer every year about this time with as many people as I can, in honor of my friend, PFC Edrick Kenneth Stevens, KIA 11-6-67.

A SOLDIER'S PRAYER

O God, as I stand at the precipice of battle, I pray that your strength may infuse my very soul. May the fears that grip my sinew not deter me from my sacred duty. May the pains of training now be a soothing ointment to melt away my fears and allow me to function as one with my brothers-in-arms. Do not allow me to falter at the breech. Give me strength, O God, that I may support my brethren and with honor and valor move ever forward into the fray.

As for those who may die by my hand this day, I pray it will not be with hatred that I return them to your bosom but with the knowledge that their blood does mingle with the blood of my brethren, as it soaks into this sacred soil, to water the seeds of peace, the peace for which all soldiers pray. May mankind soon honor all lives sacrificed on the alters of war and accept peace.

If I should fall this day, O God, I have but one prayer, may I be the last soldier to ever die on the field of battle.

SP5 Edward A. Mennig, Da Nang, Viet Nam 68' in honor of my friend PFC Edrick Kenneth Stevens, 173rd Airborne, KIA 11-6-67, Kontum, Viet Nam


Veteran's Day is fast approaching, Edrick and I would be most honored to have you share this with anyone who may be interested.