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Memorial Day: 7 sacred songs of solemn remembrance, hope for peace

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Eternal Father, Strong to Save

“Eternal Father, Strong to Save” was written by William Whiting, a 19th century Englishman who served as master of the Winchester College Choristers’ School for over 30 years.

The hymn is popular among both British and American naval personnel, and also has mainstream appeal, according to professor C. Michael Hawn, director of the pastoral
music degree program at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

“Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had the hymn sung at their funerals. It was performed during a 2002 memorial ceremony in Norfolk, Va., for those who had lost their lives in the bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen,” wrote Hawn in 2013.

“Eternal Father, Strong to Save” has also appeared in several films, including The Right Stuff and The Perfect Storm. For many people, especially those who have served in the armed forces, this hymn embodies memories of their service, their patriotism and their hopes.”

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