O God of many names,
Care that our nation may recover
the strength of compassion
– compassion for all the peoples of this world
May the official deliberations
and actions of our leaders
nourish the seeds planted by
this country’s founders
– the men and women
who gave their lives
to build a nation that would be a light
– a light to all the world
A light of compassion
A light of friendship
Ralph Blanchard, USN, ret.
Durango