Header Graphic
ANGLICAN
CHURCH
WORLDWIDE
Header Graphic
Patriarch's Vision > Wish You Were Here


15 Feb 2019

On Valentine’s Day, after I had presented my Lady Susan with her red roses, chocolates and a sappy Valentine’s Day card, I stumbled across an article on the internet.  That article made me realize that the husbands, dads, and lovers of almost 150 women who have served in our nation’s armed forces during the War on Terror would probably be laying their roses and cards up against their sweet Valentines' gravestones.

Yes, we often think about the men who gave their lives on the battlefields, but since the attack on America on September 11, 2001, a total of 148 women deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria have lost their lives in service to America.  We must not forget them.

In June of 2018, I wrote a song, with help from my brother, Ronald D. McGuire, about a lady in uniform who never made it back home alive.  It’s titled, “Wish You Were Here.”

 

You were so sharp, but lovely in your reserve uniform

The day that I first met you at the ice cream store.

It was the best decision I’ve made in my whole life,

When I popped the question and asked you to be my wife.

 

You should have seen our daughter as she went on her first date.

She’s a picture of her mother, even just a little late.

You would have screamed so loud for our son’s big winning score.

His team went crazy as they carried him out the door.

 

             Wish you were here to see how we have done

             Without the light of our lives here in our home.

             Trying to stay strong, with our strongest link now gone.

             Missing you, Dear — Wish you were here.

 

One day we got the call and they sent you out

To some far-away land we didn’t know much about.

Then the chaplain came by with a message that could not wait.

A grateful nation thanks you for the price you paid.

 

            Wish you were here to see how we have done

            Without the light of our lives here in our home.

            Trying to stay strong, with our strongest link now gone.

            Missing you, Dear — Wish you were here.

           

When we think of those who have given their last great measure of sacrifice in service to our country, let's not forget that some of them were some husband’s wife, some daddy’s little girl, or some adoring suitor’s sweetheart.

 

In Christ,

Patriarch Bp. J. David McGuire, DD

 

Reaching Out to the World and..... Beyond
Under the Protection of the Cross
 
 

Disclaimer: This is the original and authorized version of the Anglican Church Worldwide website.

We assume no responsibility for the contents and/or publication of any site created after our initial publication date.