Gideon Strauss

Carol Veldman Rudie, Jim Skilen

In addition to the book of remembrances presented by Harold Heie, the CPJ trustees also gave Jim a “book-clock” to help him keep track of time as he writes his next several books.

Mark Davies, John Hulst, Rockne McCarthy, Case Hoogendoorn

While he was being honored for his service to CPJ, Jim also honored people present at the celebration who had been involved with CPJ from the very beginning: Mark Davies, John Hulst, Rockne McCarthy, and Case Hoogendoorn. The camaraderie between these stalwarts of a public justice-oriented approach to politics is encouraging as we look forward to encouraging a next generation towards graceful citizenship.

Norm Steen

Norm Steen, Gideon Strauss

Pastor Norm Steen of the Washington DC Christian Reformed Church, Jim and Doreen Skillen’s home congregation, closed the evening in prayer.

This being Memorial Day, I recommend to you the Center’s Guideline for Security and Defense, and Jim Skillen’s reflections on the guideline from late 2007. A year from now I hope to write more extensively here on this day and what it commemorates, but for now I offer only this prayer from the 1941 Episcopal Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors:

    O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.