MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines lined up for their breakfast while waiting to hear the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of well known evangelist, Billy Graham, during a prayer breakfast held by Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division here, May 19.
Marines from all over the battalion gathered for a morning of camaraderie, shared stories and breakfast while listening to Graham speak about the war on terrorism, war on AIDS and their Christmas programs in the Middle East.
“If we don’t stick with this war and end up pulling out, I am telling you there will be no peace,” Graham stated. “I have been to the Middle East many times and have seen it for myself.”
The Marines arrived early in the morning as the food was set out and the aroma filled the air. Graham and his wife joined a few Marines as they ate their breakfast. Then, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Daniel McKay, Headquarters Battalion chaplain, introduced Graham as everyone was finishing up their meal.
“Some people asked me how we got Reverend Graham to come to our prayer breakfast,” stated McKay. “I just tell them all I did was ask him and he said yes.”
Graham supports the military and especially the Marines. His wife, Jane Graham, is the daughter of a Marine who served in World War II and fought on the island of Saipan. Thus, Graham has always had a special place in his heart for Marines and their service.
“We need to pray for America, the people, the President and all the leadership,” Graham said. “I wouldn’t come down here and not tell you the truth about all of this.”
McKay invited Graham and his wife to come forward and receive an award made for each of them after Graham was finished speaking. Along with the awards, they were presented two flags, one for them and one in honor of her father’s service in the Corps.
“I will continue to pray for all of you and may God bless you,” Graham said. “Thank you for all you have done and all that it is you do.”