The flag-draped, handmade caskets arrived April 20, 2023, at Historic Camden. Humvees carrying the caskets had stopped by numerous schools in Kershaw County before arriving at Historic Camden. Once placed inside the Joseph Kershaw House, the caskets lay in state for public viewing.
On April 22, at the Camden Battlefield, the fallen soldiers, the first men-in-arms to fight and fall for the United States of America, were honored in splendid fashion. Our local paper, The Camden Chronicle-Independent (https://www.pmg-sc.com/camden), has provided excellent coverage of the week’s events.
When the remains of the soldiers were ready for viewing inside Kershaw House, elected officials spoke. Then I was privileged to offer a prayer. I provide it here for your reflection.
Palmetto Paul
Good and gracious God, we have begun to welcome back men who have called Kershaw County, South Carolina, their home since August the 16th, 1780. They lay in neglected graves for 243 years. Taken with care from their sites of burial, studies of their remains can now benefit future generations. We have begun three days devoted to welcoming them home.
We have much to learn from these soldiers and not just from what was left of their mortal bodies. They served their nations without thinking of self-preservation. Likewise, assist us to serve the common good. Reinforce in us appreciation for sacrifice and self-giving actions. Jesus of Nazareth said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for another.” (John 15:13, NIV)
The fallen ones we memorialize this weekend have much, much more to teach us. They died that precious ideals might be turned into reality in the first thirteen of the United States of America. Foster in us a strong desire to make real this nation’s commitments to liberty, to justice, and to equal rights and opportunities for all people, not just for some, but for all.
So, good and gracious God, aid us these three days to champion respectfully and apprehend humbly everything for which these veterans died. Though long dead, they can instruct us. Across the Atlantic and around the globe, millions continue to benefit from the ideals for which they fell. Help us learn from these servicemen. And help us during these three solemn days to give them praise.
In your precious name we pray. Amen.