John F Kurth

West Point, 1995

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Dave Westlake on March 17, 2004:

"...Make us to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole truth can be won. Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy...." There are perhaps no better words to describe Hans than this excerpt from the Cadet Prayer. He exuded all the principles and dedication West Point hopes to instill in its graduates?and his infectious attitude spread these qualities to all that knew him. I was blessed to know him as a friend, a neighbor, and a brother in arms. The nation was blessed to have had someone with such conviction and morality in its humble service. The world has been blessed and millions of previously oppressed people now know freedom thanks to his efforts and contribution. Hans? sacrifice was selfless and for a just cause. This doesn?t ease the pain of those of us he left behind, but I know that our Lord?s timing in calling him home will allow Hans to reflect on all he?s done and finally rest. Hans, my dear friend: ?Well done, be thou at peace.?

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