A Navy Rabbi's Story: Global War on Terrorism Memorial

I was invited to give the benediction to the GWOT memorial dedication at Ft. Benning, GA.

Though getting to meet the MCPON and SgtMaj of the Marine Corps was probably a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, getting coined by a Gold Star mother was powerful. And that was just at breakfast.

The memorial lists the names of every service member who has died since 9/11.

There are blank spaces.

Below is my benediction and pictures.
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Mekor Chayim, Source of Life,

My soul hurts.

It was ripped open 16 years ago, and yet, sometimes, it feels like yesterday.
The pain of my loss weighs me down and it feels hard to breath.

I feel alone – like no one can understand me except you, God.
-- But not here –

Here I am amongst friends, bonded by our losses and tears.
Here I find family, Gold – Red – White and Blue.

Here, we honor our fallen family, who died protecting the defenseless and bringing hope to places that had none.

May this monument serve as balm for our souls, helping us heal together - - as family and not as strangers.
And may it stand as a witness that the sacrifices of our family will not be forgotten – but honored and cherished - - not just today - - but every day.

Avinu SheBashamyim, Heavenly Father,
If we could be so bold, we pray that you watch over Your children, Your precious service members and civilian counterparts and those who will follow in their footsteps of continuing the mission of bringing us one step closer to peace in the world.

For you have promised us through your prophet Isaiah,
כִּי־תַעֲבֹר בַּמַּיִם אִתְּךָ־אָנִי וּבַנְּהָרוֹת לֹא יִשְׁטְפוּךָ כִּי־תֵלֵךְ בְּמוֹ־אֵשׁ לֹא תִכָּוֶה וְלֶהָבָה לֹא תִבְעַר־בָּךְ

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame kindle upon you.” (43:2).

May we see the day when there is no need to add names to this memorial or any memorial.
And may that day come soon.
Amen.

Side view of the memorial (statues of two fire teams behind the marble slabs with all the names listed, behind a piece of the scaffolding from Ground Zero)