America can expect Veterans Day 2005 to be one of the most poignant remembrances of her military heroes in at least a decade. The unfortunate loss of life associated with America’s War on Terror, a widespread resurgence in patriotism, and the timely homecoming of thousands of troops obviously contribute momentous substance to this month’s observation. As a nation pauses to mourn those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, a small book that many servicemembers carried in their pocket during Operation Iraqi Freedom helps explain why so many have been willing to lay their lives on the line.

So Help Me God: A Reflection on the Military Oath was carefully designed to fit in the pocket of the military uniform. Written by armed forces chaplain, Brian Bohlman, the book considers the history of the military oath, examines the power of faith during times of trouble, and helps prepare military members and their families for the challenges their commitment will almost certainly present.

Thousands of patriots from all walks of life have stepped forward year after year and courageously vowed to serve and protect their fellow Americans … each for his or her own, deeply personal reasons. They have different backgrounds, different opinions … come in different colors, shapes, and sizes … with different religious beliefs, accents, attitudes, and dreams. But, as Bohlman’s book explains, they all share one thing in common. They all began their military careers by raising their right hands and taking a solemn oath, and, whether they’re soldiers, sailors, airmen or Marines, that oath ended in the same four words: “… so help me God.”

Every uniformed service member fighting on the shores of Normandy, amid the rice paddies of Vietnam or in today’s global War on Terror ended his or her military oath with a simple prayer, thereby binding them to a higher authority. Bohlman’s patriotic handbook examines the relevance of that prayer.

Jeffrey W. Oster is a retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps. He said, “The military oath of office has great meaning to me. It anchored my 35 years of active service. Despite the importance of the oath, little has been written about this subject. Chaplain Bohlman fills this gap in his superb work that will challenge and encourage you as you serve in the defense of this Nation.”

U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, a retired colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard, agrees. “Chaplain Bohlman’s challenging message about verbal integrity and commitment is both inspirational and informative. So Help Me God is a must-read for all men and women in uniform.”
Bohlman’s message is timely and poignant. In a world where our Pledge of Allegiance continues to come under fire for including the words “under God,” this book helps bolster faith, pride and patriotism. As our servicemembers stay the course in the Global War on Terror, So Help Me God encourages military men and women to reconsider their spoken promise, their source of strength, and their personal commitment.

This popular handbook contains a study guide and the following valuable resources for the newest service member to the senior officer and veteran: List of all U.S. Military Oaths, Core Values of the U.S. Armed Forces, Code of Conduct and Will to Survive, U.S. Flag Folding Ceremony, a Concise History of the Pledge of Allegiance, “So help me God Service of Reflection Program, and a Personal Prayer Journal. A limited edition of the book also includes So Help Me God: A Musical Reflection, five-song patriotic and inspirational mini-CD that includes Bohlman’s increasingly popular “So Help Me God” ballad and “Psalm 91” song.