Prayer Breakfast

Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) David Cyr, Air Force deputy Chief of Chaplains and guest speaker for RAF Lakenheath’s National Prayer Breakfast, delivers his speech at the base chapel Feb. 12. Chaplain Cyr’s message focused on the words “God Bless America”. He said the phrase is more than a song title or closing statement, and asked Liberty warriors to see it as a prayer, as in “God, bless America”, this year as they participate in the National Prayer Breakfast.(U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Alysia Harvey)

Prayer Breakfast

Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) David Cyr, Air Force deputy Chief of Chaplains, speaks with Tanya Campbell, wife of Tech. Sgt. Christopher Campbell, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, in the base chapel’s fellowship hall during the National Prayer Breakfast, Feb. 12. Chaplain Cyr served as the guest speaker for the event, and his message focused on the words “God Bless America”. He said the phrase is more than a song title or closing statement, and asked Liberty warriors to see it as a prayer, as in “God, bless America”, this year as they participate in the National Prayer Breakfast. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Alysia Harvey)

A Prayer: God, bless America

Published Feb. 12, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Aaron Smith
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- More than 125 members of the Liberty Wing attended the 2010 National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 12. This annual event was held at the Lakenheath Chapel and hosted by Col. Jay Silveria, 48th Fighter Wing commander.

The tradition that started with the U.S. government in 1953 to provide government leaders a chance to come together and pray for each other, the nation and world peace and this year's the guest speaker focused on just that: prayer.

In his message, titled "God, Bless America", Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) David Cyr, U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Chaplains, reminded the Liberty Wing that prayer is powerful, and prayers are answered.

Using quotes, speeches and religious readings, Chaplain Cyr encouraged the Liberty Wing to stay strong and talked about how the nation persevered during past challenges and conflicts. He also spoke about love, commitment and freedom.

"I am grateful for the love and faithfulness of our U.S. service members. Every day they help preserve our nation's freedom" said Chaplain Cyr. "During these challenging times, I know, like many Air Force chaplains, that we are stretched thin as Airmen are deployed to locations around the globe striving to bring peace." "So, today instead of saying 'God bless America' in closing, I say it as a prayer for our nation and the men and women of the Liberty Wing."

The National Prayer Breakfast also serves as a reminder of the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion, and, as such, the event here consisted of religious readings from the Muslim, Jewish, Mormon and Christian faiths.

"It's important that we celebrate the religious diversity we have throughout our wing," said Colonel Silveria. "As busy as we are here at RAF Lakenheath, it's also important that we take time to reflect on the prayers that have been answered in our individual lives."