Dear Lord, Grant Us Peace, We Beseech Thee

14 Marines, Civilian Interpreter Killed in Iraq IED Attack

American Forces Press Service

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2005 – Fourteen Marines and a civilian interpreter assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), were killed in action early this morning when their amphibious assault vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device, military officials here reported.

The incident occurred during combat operations about two kilometers south of Haditha, officials said. One Marine was wounded in the attack.

Names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. No other details about the attack were immediately available.

O Thou

the Cause and Effect of the Whole universe

the Source from whence we have come

and the Goal toward which all are bound:

receive these souls, who are coming to Thee,

into Thy parental arms.

May Thy forgiving Glance heal their hearts.

Lift them from the denseness of the earth.

Surround them with the Light of Thine own Spirit.

Raise them up to heaven

which is their true dwelling place.

We pray Thee, grant them the blessing

of Thy most exalted Presence.

May their life upon earth become as a dream

to their waking soul,

And let their thirsting eyes behold

the glorious vision of Thy Sunshine.
Amen.