Dedication Of A Memorial Plaque

(This dedication is adapted from the Dedication of a Plaque and Avenue of Honour and relates to an individual, one of a number of fatalities which occurred at air force flying schools in Australia during WW2.)

Surrounded by the ever-present mystery we name God,
we gather to honour the life and hope and courage
of those who, in military conflict, have made so great a sacrifice
and to do so without glorifying the evil of war.

We dedicate this plaque
to the memory of Flight Sergeant NNN.
and in doing so we remember past times,
and our relationships with family and community members
no longer present to us.

We honour the life they continue to give to us
as we retell their stories to our children,
and to our children’s children.

Source of life, love and comfort,
by the light of your Word and the warmth of your Spirit,
graciously tend
those for whom this day is especially significant.

And may the same Word and Spirit
encourage us in peacemaking
lead us on the journey of justice;
guide us on the pathways of peace. Amen.

(Adapted from work by the Rev. Bruce Prewer)