By Alex Brick –
Just as the other branches of the military have their hymns, the newly created Space Force has a hymn — and it glorifies God.
“Eternal Father, strong to save, In prayer before Thy light, In solitude of sovereign grace, Grant courage for each flight. Amen.” This is one of the verses in their new hymn.
The hymns are an important part of every military branch, commemorating soldiers, sailors, and marines who comprise these forces. Since the Space Force is so new, it seemed fitting for its 9,000 members to have their own anthem.
The hymn was written in 2022 by Rev. James F. Linzey, a former Air Force chaplain who is now Chief of Chaplains for the United States National Defense Corps. He is also a highly decorated captain in the Air Force.
Military hymns are not officially adopted by branch services but rather gain traction as they are sung in churches and unofficially used by members of each force.
Despite the official distancing, it is getting backlash from some atheists. “The importance of keeping the U.S. military secular in order to protect the religious liberty of all service members cannot be overemphasized,” the Freedom From Religion Foundation argued after the hymn emerged.
The FFRF is a group of people who directly oppose religion in public spaces.
Many of the supporters of the hymn, including religious and spiritual leaders in the military, churches, and other religious groups, quickly came to the defense of the hymn, arguing that asking for divine protection couldn’t harm anyone.
The Navy’s hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” composed in 1860, similarly invokes God’s protection.
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About this writer: Alex Brick studies at the Lighthouse Christian Academy near West Los Angeles.
