Dear friends,

On behalf of all of us who are blessed to serve at this house of prayer for all people, welcome to Washington National Cathedral!

We are particularly honored to welcome members of the U.S. Air Force here to the Cathedral to celebrate the Air Force’s 72nd birthday and those who risk everything to patrol and protect our skies. For several years, this Cathedral has hosted an annual celebration for the U.S. Marine Corps, and we are thrilled to now extend that same hospitality to the Air Force.

From its earliest days – well before the limestone walls of this Cathedral rose toward the heavens – this Cathedral has sought to be a place of pilgrimage and honor for members of our Armed Forces and their families. From our annual Veterans Day tribute concert, to gargoyle tours for military families, to retreats for veterans and military chaplains, we want this Cathedral to offer a warm welcome to those who serve in our name.

I invite you to say a prayer or light a candle in War Memorial Chapel, where the imagery and iconography pays tribute to the sacrifice and courage of our fighting men and women. Also, be sure to spot the Wings of Courage stained glass window along the north (left) side of the nave, near the sound booth. It was given in memory of General Thomas Dresser White, Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 1957-1961. The large elongated red wings symbolize the courage of all who defend this country; at the very top, you’ll notice the majestic chapel of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

As we hope this window shows, please know that you and all members of the Air Force have a home here at this Cathedral. Wherever you’re from, whatever you believe and wherever you call home, welcome to your Cathedral. We’re glad you’re here!

Faithfully,

The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith Dean, Washington National Cathedral

Artwork at the top of page, “HERE AM I – SEND ME” by Woodi Ishmael, Courtesy, United States Air Force Art Collection

Scripture Reading Chaplain, Captain Jumaane Green, USANG Isaiah 6:1-8

Scripture Reading Airman Laken Rohrer, USAF

1 Peter 4:7-11

Special Music The United States Air Force Band

Amazing Grace (New Britain) John Newton | American Melody, arr. Mack Wilberg

Scripture Reading Chaplain, Captain Joshua Janko, USAF

Matthew 9:35-38

Message Chaplain, Major Steven Rein, USAFR

Here I am. Send me.

Anthem Boys Cathedral Choir Michael McCarthy, Director

Greater Love John Ireland

Prayer for Airmen and their Families Captain Maysaa Ouza, USAF Special Music The United States Air Force Band Air Force Hymn Mary C. D. Hamilton | Sir Charles H. H. Parry arr. Chief Master Sergeant (ret) Michael Davis

* Benediction Chaplain, Major Meoshia Wilson, USAF

* Recessional Tom Sheehan, Organist

Final, for organ in B flat major, Op. 21, FWV 33 César Franck

* Postlude

* Indicates those who are able are requested to stand

Wednesday marks the 72nd birthday of our Air Force. For 72 years Airmen have defended America in the air, space and cyberspace. Airmen have been successful because of their physical, mental, social and spiritual health. Since the beginnings of our Air Force, chaplains and Religious Affairs Airmen have been inspiring the personal and professional readiness of Airmen through spiritual care and leader advisement. We’ve eagerly accompanied Airmen on flightlines and in work spaces, in sacred worship and in deployed locations; reminding them that they are loved by their nation and their God. When we know we are loved, have purpose, and are filled with hope, accepting our nation’s call and “Breaking Barriers” becomes the privilege of a lifetime.

Our privilege today is to worship God, to celebrate religious freedom, and to strengthen our souls. As we do, we’ll be ready for every challenge tomorrow may bring. So with Isaiah, we continue to proclaim, “Here am I, send me.”

Chaplain, Major General Steven A. Schaick Chief of Chaplains, United States Air Force

Kindly silence your cell phone before the service begins. Thank you!

PRE-SERVICE MUSIC The United States Air Force Band

Colonel Donald Schofield, Commander and Conductor Jesu, Joy, My Joy Forever J. S. Bach

Våren (Last Spring) Edvard Grieg

We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace, African American Spiritual arr. M. Hogan

Pilgrims’ Hymn Stephen Paulus

America the Beautiful Katherine L. Bates, Samuel A. Ward arr. Carmen Dragon

Hymn to the Fallen from Saving Private Ryan John Williams

ORDER OF WORSHIP Processional The United States Air Force Band Liberty Fanfare John Williams

Welcome Chaplain, Major General Steven Schaick, USAF

Greeting General David L. Goldfein, USAF Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force

* Posting of the Colors The United States Air Force Honor Guard

* The National Anthem Performed by The United States Air Force Band The Star-Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key | John Stafford Smith

* Call to Worship Chaplain, Captain Keith Manry, USAF

Leader: From shore to shore — PEOPLE: LET GOD’S PRAISE BE SUNG. Leader: From mountains high to valleys low — PEOPLE: LET THE ECHO OF PRAISE RESOUND Leader: From the mouths of children and the prayers of saints — PEOPLE: LET THANKSGIVING ABOUND Leader: For great is our God ALL: AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED.

* Opening Hymn The United States Air Force Band Tom Sheehan, Washington National Cathedral Organist

National Hymn (God of the Ages) Daniel C. Roberts | George W. Warren

God of the ages, whose almighty hand leads forth in beauty all the starry band

of shining worlds in splendor through the skies, our grateful songs before your throne arise.

Your love divine has led us in the past, in this free land by you our lot is cast;

be now our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay, your Word our law, your paths our chosen way.

Refresh your people on their toilsome way, lead us from night to never-ending day;

fill all our lives with heav’n-born love and grace, and songs of praise we’ll lift before your face!

* Invocation Chaplain, Captain Kristin Swenson, USAF