NMA Event 2022 – Order of Service

REMEMBRANCE

Officiating Chaplain: Padre Mike Elliott RAuxAF 

We meet in the presence of God, who is our creator, redeemer and judge. We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away. We pray for all who, in bereavement, disability or pain, continue to suffer the consequences of fighting or terror.

We especially give thanks today for the men and women of the Auxiliary Air Force and Royal Auxiliary Air Force who have served our country since 1924, during the Second World War and, in the years since then, all those who have served with pride and honour.

Opening Prayer

God our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty & pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Bible Reading: Group Captain Paul White Inspector RAuxAF

John 15, 12-17

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command you.  I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.  You did not choose me but I chose you.  And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.  I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

This is the word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God

Ever-loving God, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence.  We especially remember those whose memorial stones are already here, and those whose new stones we will dedicate today, and all who died for their country whilst serving in the Auxiliary Air Force and Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

As we recall the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom and justice, so let us commit ourselves in faithful service to strive for all that makes for peace, to seek to heal the wounds of war and to work for a just future for all humanity.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Act of Remembrance: Group Captain Richard Mighall RAuxAF Foundation

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old.  Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.  At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

All:  We will remember them.

The Last Post: RAuxAF Band trumpeter

Two Minutes Silence

Reveille: RAuxAF Band trumpeter

When you go home, tell them of us and say: ‘For your tomorrows we gave our today’.

Laying of the wreaths: Chaplain invites those with military wreaths to lay them at the Memorial beginning with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Wreath laid by Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, Commandant General RAuxAF.

The Collect of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force

Almighty and everlasting God, who created the stars, the heavens and the earth, we commend to your fatherly protection all who serve in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, that, together with the Royal Air Force we may be a safeguard to our most gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth and a sure defence to our country.   Protect and support us and our families, as we seek to serve with integrity and respect, and grant that we may prove to be worthy successors of those who, by their valour and sacrifice, did nobly serve their day and generation, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL STONES

Almighty God, who has taught us to value each and every life, we ask your blessing on these new Memorial Stones.

Presentations: Wing Commander Jeff Metcalfe RAuxAF Foundation:

Maurice Farrelly Jon Wilkes George Furniss
Sir Michael Oswald Donald Macdonald
Michael Tinley Harold Macdonald

 

Reflection

We ask that theses Memorial Stones will remind us, in this place of tranquillity and peace, to reflect on the sacrifices of others and to remember these individuals.

The Lord’s Prayer

All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen.

The Blessing

God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth and all people, unity, peace and concord, and to us and all God’s servants, life everlasting; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you, now and always.  Amen.

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