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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2004 – As part of celebrating 229 years of service on Nov. 10, the Marine Corps is preparing for its annual worship service Nov. 7 at Washington National Cathedral here.
Since most Marines can't be there in person, Navy Rear Adm. Robert F. Burt, chaplain of the Marine Corps and deputy chief of Navy chaplains, said he hopes they will feel the spirit of the service. "If they can't be here in body, hopefully in spirit we'll be able to communicate with them and let them know that we love them very much, we care about them and they're in our thoughts and prayers hourly," Burt said. The chaplain, also speaker for this year's service, said the service's goal is "to honor Marines, to admire Marines, to thank Marines for the great things that they've done for this nation, (and) to worship God." "My theme is 'Mighty Warriors, Modest Heroes,' because I believe that's what Marines are," Burt said. The 4 p.m. service is open to the public, though security will be tight because the Corps' commandant, Navy secretary and other distinguished guests will be in attendance. The National Cathedral, known as "the national house of prayer for all people," has hosted the service since 1961. "By and large, we're hoping to have a good crowd of people from all different kinds of faith groups there just to thank God for the Marine Corps and for what the Marines have done for the United States of America," Burt said.
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