Prayers from Baghdad: The Bugler

By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Barb Sherer, MND-B ChaplainMarch 23, 2009

BAGHDAD, Iraq - My prayer/poem for this week highlights those quietly steadfast professionals in the Division Band who proudly honor our fallen warriors.

PRAYER OF THE BUGLER

Lord,

I am easily forgotten in the crowd,

A lone figure hidden in the CG's entourage,

praying for a ride

from the helipad to the chapel.

I stand by as a final rush

of Colonels and Sergeants Major

roll up in NTVs and hustle through the door.

And the ceremony begins...

Once more, a unit honors a fallen hero.

Once more, they choke back tears

as soldiers say goodbye

to a beloved battle buddy.

You alone know how my heart aches

at the grief in the voice

of the Company Commander.

I watch in awe as the First Sergeant

stands before the troops to call the roll.

Shoulders flinch as the rifles fire...

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

And then, in the hush of the moment,

all ears turn to me.

My years of training and practice

have brought me to this point.

I cannot fail this mission, Lord!

Make my notes clear, unwavering.

Grant my bugle a tone that would

make an angel smile.

And after the last haunting note

fades slowly away

May the memory of my music live on

As a solemn testimony

to the brave soul we honor this day.

Amen.