You may be seated. I would now like to invite to the podium reverend frederick a. Buechner director at calvary episcopal church. His church was founded the same year that andersonville opened. Reverend buechner will open our service with an invocation. Let us pray. Remember in think kingdom, ou god, those who laid their lives down for their friends. Grant them rest in the land of the living, in the joy of par paradi paradise, whence all pain and grief have gone away. Grant that they may ma be numbered among the host of think redeemed, going forth conquering and conquer with thee their ever lasting, lord. This day oh lord to our prayers where we beseech think mercy for the souls of think service who thou have biden to leave this world to thou hallowed place. Grant them place in think kingdom of peace and light. Amen. Thank you reverend buechner. For the prisoners at andersonville, prayers provided comfort, community and sometimes even solutions. The story of providence springs is an ong
Good afternoon. If you can go ahead and take your seats, well get started. Good afternoon again. Id like to take this opportunity to thank the Maneuver Center of excellence Brass Quintet for their musical selections. Their music continues to enhance our programs each year. [ applause ] on behalf of the National Park service, i welcome you to Andersonville National Historic Site and to Andersonville National cemetery. My name is charles cellars and as the park superintendent i have the honor and privilege of serving today as the master of ceremonies. This weekend is the capstone event of the 150th anniversary of camp sumter military prison called andersonville. Many of you have traveled hundreds of miles to join us today and on behalf of the park we sincerely thank you for being here. I invite you to stand as the Georgia Army National guard advanced the color. After the colors are posted, please follow me in reciting the pledge of allegiance. Will you please stand. Please join me in the