Thank you for his service to you and country. Lord, were also grateful for all of our military men and women who back their words with courageous deeds. In this season that brings tidings of a coming dawn, guide our lawmakers through the darkness that precedes the breaking of day. You have guided this nation through stormy places, and we have felt the winds and have been tossed by troubled seas. May our senators, amid the tumult, hear the whisper of your promise to never forsake us. Remind us of lifes brevity so that we will number our days and have hearts of wisdom. We pray in your marvelous name. Amen. The presiding officer please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The presiding officer the clerk will read a communication to the senate. The clerk washington d. C. , december 15, 2014. To th