We planned to go to the lake anyway, and when I found Goo, there was one more reason. Being a church minister I think that the best fortune for any soldiers is to be demobilized and send home. After Goo has reached his final destination, I declare him released from his active duty (And what better day but the Independence day!)
I leave Goo with prayer from our Book of Common Prayer we have been praying in our church regularly since this strange war began:
Righteous God, you rule the nations.
Guard brave men and women
who risk themselves in battle for their country.
Give them compassion for enemies
who also fight for patriotic causes.
Keep our sons and daughters from hate that hardens,
or from scorekeeping with human lives.
Though they were sent to war,
let them live for peace,
as eager for agreement as for victory.
Encourage them as they encourage one another,
and never let hard duty separate them
from loyalty to your Son, our Lord of Peace, Jesus Christ. Amen.