RAMANAM
In the Name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit, Amen.

When I gave the Invocations at the Deployment and Redeployment Ceremonies for 1st SBCT, 25th ID, in 2004 and 2005, I stood just away from the podium for the entire ceremonies except when I was at the podium.  Protocol officers and command personnel from the Brigade implored me to take my seat under the awning since I was an honored guest.  I thanked them and mentioned that the Brigade was standing out there at parade rest and I would stand with them, out of the way but standing as they did.  I had to undergo that conversation several times until they let me alone.  I could not pray for Soldiers with whom I could not stand.  This picture reminded me of that:

AMDG