5 highlights from Pete Hegseth's speech to military leaders: Done with 'woke garbage'

5. Hegseth concludes speech with Christian prayer

As Hegseth’s speech drew to a close, he mentioned that he had “recited a commander’s prayer” at a monthly Pentagon Christian Prayer Service. Describing the prayer as “a simple yet meaningful prayer for wisdom for commanders and leaders,” at the end of it, he said: “And most of all, Lord, please keep my soldiers safe. Lead them, guide them, protect them, watch over them. And as you gave all of yourself for me, help me give all of myself for them.” 

“I have prayed this prayer many times since I’ve had the privilege of being your secretary,” he added, vowing, “I will continue to pray this prayer for each of you as you command and lead our nation’s finest. Go forth and do good things, hard things.” 

The Christian prayer wasn't the only reference to God and Christianity in the speech. He also praised the military leaders as “Americans who made a choice, when they were young men and young women, to do something most Americans will not — to serve something greater than yourself, to fight for God and country, for freedom and the Constitution.”

He also characterized members of the armed forces as “precious souls made in the image and likeness of God.”