For anyone looking for a graphic depiction of the institutionalized militarization of Christianitity and/or the institutionalized Christianization of the American Armed Forces, I wanted to share this photo of me, a second lieutentant in the Marine Corps, getting my sword blessed by a Navy Chaplain as part of an official sword blessing ceromony for newly commissioned officers in 1998 at the Quantico Marine Corps Base Chapel.
Feel free to share or use this photo as you wish, particularly with those who argue that Islam is the only religion that is utilized for murder, conquest, greed, violence, profit, control, demagoguery, pillage, brainwashing, etc.
Matthew Hoh 
I have never, ever understood how The Church can continue this way.
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In a wiser moment Joel, when I was younger than this photo, in high school, I was horrified by a pastor I met who cheered on the prospects of our imminent attacks on the Iraqis in 1991. Things had obviously changed in my mind and soul by 1998.
I hope all is well with you and Margaret. I owe her an email. Peace brother.
Matt
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Well said, my friend and forwarded.
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Thanks brother. We are due to catch up.
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Hi Matt,
I tried to leave a comment but I don’t have an account on WordPress; so I couldn’t. My comment was, “We sure didn’t have that crap when I was commissioned 40 years earlier ! “ For your amusement, I’m attaching a copy of my dad pinning my bars on, June 4, 1958.
Ken
>
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Hey Ken, the comment came through, but not the picture.
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Great, appropriate and wise comment by the way!
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Again Matt, you show courage by posting that picture.
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