Chaplains Corner

Veterans Day 2025

I have been invited to offer the benediction at the City of Upland’s Veterans Day Celebration at City Hall on Tuesday, November 11^th, 2025 at 11:00 AM. It is a profound honor to join our community in recognizing the courage, sacrifice, and service of all who have worn the uniform of our nation.
In the spirit of gratitude and peace, I share here the prayer I will offer that day—a benediction for our veterans, for those who continue to serve, and for all who long for an end to war and the dawn of lasting peace.

Benediction for Veterans Day – Upland City Hall

Let us join together in a spirit of reverence and gratitude.

Eternal Source of hope and healing—
Today we pause to honor the courage of those who have served,
who stood watch in faraway lands,
who carried the weight of duty in their hearts and the cost of freedom on their shoulders.
We remember their bravery, their sacrifice, and the unseen wounds they still carry.

As we give thanks for their service, we also remember the toll of war—
the lives lost, the families forever changed,
the dreams interrupted by violence and the longing for home that never fades.
May this remembrance deepen our resolve
to be makers of peace,
to seek understanding over division,
and to value life above conquest.

May the day soon come when nations no longer rise against nations,
when human hands no longer fashion instruments of war,
and when peace—true, lasting peace—
is the inheritance of every people and every land.

May those who serve today be guarded in safety,
those who suffer find healing and comfort,
and those who lead be guided by wisdom and compassion.

And may we, as a community,
carry forward the legacy of our veterans not only with words of gratitude,
but with lives committed to justice, mercy, and peace.

In the spirit of peace, may it be so.

I consider it a privilege to serve the patients, families and staff at San Antonio Regional Hospital. We are here to provide a supportive presence during what can often be the darkest hour of their lives. We encourage anyone, irrespective of their spiritual or religious affiliation, or lack thereof, who needs additional support while in our hospital to reach out to the Spiritual Care Department. You can contact the Spiritual Care Department by dialing “26326” from any hospital phone or by making a request through your nurse.

We look forward to serving you!

Blessings,

Rev. Alexander J. Aaron, M.Div, BC
Staff Chaplain
Phone: 909.920.6326