Through the National Anthem and remain standing through the invocation. Advance the colors. [National Anthem plays] the chaplain will now offer the invocation. Would you bow with me in prayer . Eternal god, we gather here on this sacred ground to pause, reflect, and remember the 129 crewmembers of the United States ship thresher. They served their country in the height of the cold war and were fully prepared to do whatever called upon to defend our nation, be it above or below the seas. The tragic loss felt on that april day of 1963 still stings our hearts, but we are also thankful that out of this tragedy much good has come. Through the establishment of the Subsafe Program, our nation has the safest submarine force in history. This assurance of safety has been secured by those who had given their lives while on board the thresher. We thank you for those who have gathered here today who worked tirelessly to ensure those that made the sacrifice to our nation are never forgotten. Continu