Wreaths Across America Invocation
Watch Invocation Video & Read Script
“May our fields of remembrance be touched with the true beauty of green & red. Green is to remind us to pray for the soul of our nation; and with red, we acknowledge in humble gratitude, those who sacrificed or who gave their life’s blood to obtain and secure Liberty.” Chaplain Ann M. Wolf
In December of every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans join together to honor our veterans by placing a beautiful wreath at grave sites during ceremonies conducted at cemeteries, historic sites & memorials and even held on military and civilian vessels…at which time wreaths are offered to the ocean in memory of those who have perished at sea in service to their country. This effort is sponsored by a very special organization known as “Wreaths Across America.” The invocation you are about to hear was shared in 2013 at one of the ceremonies conducted in East TN. I encourage you become a part of this most auspicious and solemn tradition in your community this year and every year….
On Film: The Blessing for “Wreaths Across America” – Ceremony – Narration
First delivered on December 14, 2013 – Chaplain Ann M. Wolf
“Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to assemble together, on this sacred ground & in this dedicated place; and we ask You to help us accomplish three things in this hour and all throughout the year, as defined by “Wreaths Across America”:
*First, to “Remember” the Fallen
*Second, to “Honor” those that serve & their families
*And finally, by our example today & every day… to “Teach” our young as well as our communities, the Value & Price of Freedom, while we also bear in mind and in heart, our unique history.
Then, in the process of this, help us Lord to embrace what it truly means to be American, what the blessings are, as well as the responsibilities.
Father, we are joined together in Spirit with others who are also participating in “Wreaths Across America” Day at: Arlington, at Veterans’ cemeteries and at other locations in all 50 states, in ceremonies at sea, and at ceremonies on foreign soil. And so we ask Your blessings & protection upon us all, at every location where these events are being held.
We ask for Mercy and Comfort for the Families of those who have known loss & sacrifice; because when the soldier serves, the family serves. Help us to hear their hearts and share in their sorrows and joys & continue with them… in friendship & care. Grant them Lord…Your peace.
Lead us and guide us Lord; give us deep and abiding love for You, and for our Country which You entrusted to us, to be and to remain, “A City on a Hill,” a beacon of light extending across the world with a message of Hope and Liberty as we the citizens, learn to live worthy of the gift of Freedom, in thought, word, and deed.
Give us continued courage Lord; let Your Light in our heart never extinguish or flicker down, because so much rests on recognizing You as we maintain Liberty. The gift of Freedom is Golden but its loss, would be darkness, bringing despair beyond description.
And finally, to accomplish your Will most efficiently Lord, help us grow in love for each other, in patience, & endurance. Help us hold to our Faith in You, and in knowing what is possible by Your Mercy and by Your Grace.
Father, be with us as we move forward to fulfill your Will today as Your People, as American People, this day & every day, with all our soul, with all our heart, and with all our strength… while we yet… have breath.
God Bless & Keep America… America. Amen”
Invocation written by Ann M. Wolf © 2013 – BMI – All rights reserved.
What folks say about “Wreaths Across America” The Invocation Video
“Ann, thank you for sharing your beautiful video with us. It is so wonderfully done and we are excited to share it with our supporters. Thank you again from your friends at WAA.”
Lynn says, “So beautiful! With tears in my eyes and with my soul touched, I thank you! It’s nice to have validation that my HERO is not forgotten about since he rests in another state, far away from me.”
Christian wrote: “It’s awesome …i´m speechless …. that’s the right way to honour our Soldiers ….I really hope that one time we can do it here in germany also for our fallen ….thank you so much Ann ……you have shown me again what is possible to do …thx a lot and …God bless you”
Diane shares, “Thanks so much Ann….I love this and really needed this.”
Author of the Book “K9 Heroes” says, “So touching, so beautiful. Fantastic video!”
Susan shares on her Facebook Post, “Thank you Ann M. Wolf for everything you do, and allowing me to share your amazing posts..You have helped me so much with my volunteer work with our veteran;s and educating me on how to speak about our POW MIA’s..I am so greatful that God has brought us together..”
“A SLOW SALUTE TO THEM ALL ,,,LU,,,,,,,SARGE”
“Beautiful Ann, as usual. I hold you in high regard for everything you do for all veterans and mostly for your great love of God. As a Vietnam veteran, I thank you so much.”
With MC Ann M. Wolf – Knoxville, TN – 2016
WATCH: WAA Service, packed with purpose, emotion, music, values & vision held at Lyons View Cemetery, Knoxville, TN; December 17th, 2016. Video
ORDER OF APPEARANCE IN VIDEO:
MC: Welcome by Chaplain Ann M. Wolf
COLOR GUARD – COLORS: Stephen Holston Chapter Sons of the American Revolution
PLEDGE: Chaplain Ann M. Wolf
WAA INVOCATION: Ann M. Wolf – Author, Songwriter & Recording Artist for God & Country
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Knox County Mayor TIM BURCHETT
SPECIAL MUSIC: Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School Choir, singing the Armed Forces Theme Songs
LAYING OF SPECIAL WREATHS: SFC USARMY NG TNARNG Kelo D. Whitmire
COLOR GUARD RETURNS: Stephen Holston Chapter Sons of the American Revolution