A Prayer for our POWs

[Phoenix Blue]

From the US Armed Forces' Code of Conduct:

Article I I am an American, fighting in the armed forces for which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service, number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI I will never forget that I am an American, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God[s] and in the United States of America.

For those who are prisoners of the Iraqi army: we are all with you in spirit; and we will work tirelessly for your freedom until you are with us again.

[Ahautenites]

**Ses places a piece of jet, a flawless quartz prism, a large, faceted blue sapphire, and a polished piece of bloodstone into a cloth bag with the US flag embroidered upon it, kisses it, and sets it on the altar. Then she takes out her dagger, slices it across her palm and lets the blood run into a large chalice with stars etched all over it**

May they take from what strength is mine to give, should they need it.

[Flar's Freyja]

I see your young faces and realize that you are just children. From this distance, I wrap my heart around you like the Mother's arms. "Thank you" does not express my gratitude for the sacrifice you are making for my freedom and I am inspired to make some sacrifices of my own.

Every minute, every hour, I pray for your strength, safety and swift return. Know that you are surrounded by love.

So Mote It Be

[Lyntwyn]

A hard row to hoe and yet you do so willingly and proudly.
I am very proud of you and will support you in spirit and heart.
Know that stregnth and heart surround you praying for your safe return.
So mote it be.

[WandererInGray]

"May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May they be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
May they never be separated from that sacred joy that is beyond suffering.
May they rest in equanimity free of grasping, hatred and ignorance.
And may they be aware of the equality of all that lives."

[Nissala]

Mother Goddess, Father God
Protect those who have gone abroad,
Send to them the energy they need
to end all this suffering,
Bring them home safe and sound,
let not the enemy not keep them bound.
mote it be..

our thoughts and prayers are with the brave that have gone to liberate, let them be successful and brought safely home to the ones they love. Let them feel the love of the nation on their journey...