Defense Secretary’s Attendance
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth almost missed the first Christmas worship service held at the Pentagon on Wednesday, but he had a valid reason for his absence.
Mr. Hegseth was at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to pay respects during the transfer of two Iowa Army National Guard members and their interpreter, who lost their lives in Syria while fighting against the Islamic State.
He joined President Trump and other officials in honoring the flag-draped coffins as they were unloaded from a C-17 transport aircraft.
“What do you tell Americans who’ve lost the greatest gift they could possibly give? There are no words for the grief,” he remarked upon returning to the Pentagon. “The president does a phenomenal job, but you just do the best that you can.”
The fallen soldiers were identified as Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown, Iowa; Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Grimes, Iowa; and their civilian interpreter Ayad Sakat from Michigan.
Mr. Hegseth expressed confidence that these brave individuals served their nation honorably and are now in a better place.
“They put on the uniform and served on behalf of all of us. They also serve a bigger and greater God, and we know where they are,” he stated. “We pray for them, and we think of them today.”
The event featured two Christmas trees and a Menorah on stage at the Pentagon.
Soon after taking office at the Department of Defense, Mr. Hegseth initiated monthly voluntary worship services within the Pentagon.
“Each day you are asked to do impossible things…, which mere men and women could not do,” he said during this outdoor Christmas service. “That’s why we ‘bend the knee,’ because we know where our strength comes from, and we need that wisdom and that guidance.”
The Rev. Franklin Graham delivered an address during this event, urging prayers for the nation.
“I pray that God will forgive…and heal our land,” Mr. Graham said. He emphasized his hope that America would return to its foundational values.He praised Mr. Hegseth’s efforts to revitalize…, focusing on religious ministry within military chaplaincy.
“I’m so grateful to them because this is the bedrock of our country,” he added.
