A Prayer for Lcpl Joshua Bernard, USMC

In the wake of the publication of the photograph of Lcpl Joshua Bernard wounded in Afghanistan, I feel compelled to reiterate the feelings of contempt to the Associated Press for releasing the photo, expressed by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. The needs of history to document this action did not need to be met in it’s publication at a time when his family is grieving his loss. You sirs are both contemptible and despicable well beyond the normal meaning of the words.

To Lcpl Bernard s family I empathize as a fellow surviving father with your grief; and I hope these humble words may provide you some comfort in these days of mourning….

Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God, the Great Commander, to summon to the immortal legions a fellow comrade-in-arms Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard, USMC

I humbly bow to the will of Divine Providence, while ever cherishing in my heart the memory of his distinguished service to our country and the free people of the world.

I do mourn the passing of, Lance Cpl. Bernard, USMC. I commend his soul to all the works and to God the spirit; and in token of my common grief, I pray his soul meets Gods sweet embrace and for his comradeship to all of my brethren who have gone before to the Everlasting Post, in Heaven and I ask your comfort for his family and his comrades in their hour of need ….

Amen

JH Ellis Sr (USA, ret)

I humbly ask all veterans who read this to join me in this prayer…

I respectfully ask all others to offer a prayer in their own way....