Navy Chaplain Participates in Veterans Day Service at Historic Christ Church

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Two worship services were held Nov. 11 in Alexandria, Virginia at historic Christ Church, in conjunction with the Veterans Day holiday.

Lt. Cmdr. David Thames, an Episcopal priest and Navy chaplain, currently assigned as deputy executive assistant to the chief of Navy Chaplains, was invited to deliver a sermon to honor "veterans across time who've put on the uniform of this nation to stand in the gap between freedom and freedom's frontier. Who've heard and answered the call to serve our nation."

The invitation was made more meaningful since, twenty years earlier, Thames delivered his first live sermon in the same church, as a student at Virginia Theological seminary.

A discussion forum was held in between the 9:00 and 11:15 services in a room lined with photographs of veterans within the Christ Church congregation, including the founder of the Marine Corps marathon and numerous multi-generational military families.

Thames spoke about the importance of military chaplaincy and the free exercise of religion to seventy-five parishioners in attendance.

Christ Church is of particular significance on Veterans Day, since it was once the place of worship for George Washington and his family. His family pew remains in its original location from 1773. General Robert E. Lee also attended Christ Church from the age of three through his adult life. A silver plaque on the chancel rail marks the spot, where on July 17, 1853, with two of his daughters, he was confirmed.

Thames' Veterans Day message focused on Gen. George Washington's spirit of humility in ultimately relinquishing his military power as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1783, thus establishing the model of civilian leadership that remains today over the U.S. military.

Thames went on to speak of the unique quality of the American warrior to remain humble and grounded in one's spiritual tradition, in the face of power and prestige, inherent within the military rank structure.

He spoke of his tour in Iraq in 2007 with the 12th Marines regiment, where he traveled extensively throughout Al Anbar province, alongside the Regimental SgtMaj, providing pastoral care to Sailors and Marines. During his tour, he encouraged them to speak honestly of their combat experiences, with a humbleness of heart, and to have the fortitude to stand apart and ask for help when needed.

As they prepared to return and reintegrate into society, which is often the most challenging time for veterans, Thames and the sergeant major encouraged these warriors to cling to virtue, integrity, and humility.

The service was also a time to honor the families "who've stood beside and waited for a loved ones' return." There were several uniformed veterans and military families and prayers offered for those currently deployed from their congregation.

The service concluded with the hymn "Eternal Father Strong to Save" and a blessing for veterans, that all may remember "with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy."

For more information, visit www.chaplain.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/chiefofnavychaplains.