Invocation – Monroe Post Office Wenzel Dedication
May 18, 2015
Almighty G‑d, Father of all mankind:
We gather here today for the renaming of the Monroe Post Office in memory of Gregg David Wenzel, of blessed memory.
It’s so special and meaningful to honor the memory of Monroe’s own hero, who devoted his life for our defense and security.
It’s very appropriate that the memory of Gregg is with the naming of the Post Office, as they both share a common dedication to their mission.
In 2001, just after the September 11 attacks, the Postal Service ran a commercial which the following text:
We are mothers and fathers. And sons and daughters. Who every day go about our lives with duty, honor and pride. And neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor the winds of change, nor a nation challenged, will stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds. Ever.
These words aptly apply to the dedication of the men and women who defend our county.
It was also just after the September 11 attacks in 2001, when Gregg joined the CIA, as Clandestine Officer, because he was a patriot and believed that he could make a difference to protect our country from future terrorist attacks, to protect our freedom and keep us safe.
As the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, the Giving of the Torah, is celebrated next week, we reflect that it’s the same level of devotion and commitment of our people that has kept the flame of Judaism alive. It’s here, too, that Gregg’s life and legacy is an inspiration, particularly in the realm of Jewish education.
At this momentous occasion, we ask G‑d to bestow your Divine blessings upon Gregg, his family, our community and agencies that serve them.
Almighty G‑d, who created all humankind in His image, teach us to remember the sanctity of life, the evil of terror, and the danger of a world filled with violence. Help us honor the philosophy Gregg lived by: “take time every day to help someone. It is the little acts of random kindness that, in the end, make a big difference.”
May their devotion and our commitment bring blessing, strength, happiness, prosperity and peace to our community and our world.
Let us say, Amen.
