In my home county of Prince William in Virginia, the landscape is dotted with churches. Our houses of worship outnumber restaurants, theaters, golf courses and libraries combined. Nearly every denomination is represented. Moreover, many small businesses and private homes proudly display the American flag.
Visitors from other nations remark on these unexpected signs of religious faith and national patriotism.
As I write, the latest addition to this county of churches is being dedicated, exemplifying faith in God and nation. It is a nondenominational chapel on the grounds of the Quantico military base and serves an unusual congregation -- the United States Marines.
Quantico is a good neighbor to the civilian community, though not always a quiet one. Our house is on the flight path between Washington, D.C., and the base, so low-flying helicopters are common. When the Marines hold artillery practices at their base, our windows rattle from the salvos.
For some Americans, chapels on military bases and chaplains in uniform appear to conflict with our nation's vaunted separation of church and state. In truth, they are among our hallowed exceptions, joining the proclamation "In God We Trust" on our currency, the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the religious invocations that precede every session of Congress.
The rationale for base chapels and uniformed chaplains is to assure the freedom of every serviceman and woman to worship and be spiritually counseled wherever they are stationed, notably on the battlefield, where they face their mortality every day.
There are more than 3,800 military chaplains serving in the U.S. armed services. Every Army battalion deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan is supplied with a chaplain. No matter which denomination or faith chaplains represent, they are expected to minister to members of all faiths, and unbelievers alike.
Most chaplains are Protestant, Catholic or Jewish, but there are also Muslim imams and a Buddhist priest in uniform. The first chaplains appeared in the 8th century on English vessels. Although they are uniformed and hold officer rank, chaplains are unarmed noncombatants.
The new chapel at Quantico bears the Marine motto, "Semper Fidelis." Constructed of stone, timber and great sheets of glass, it evokes images of improvised battlefield chapels. Its slate roof soars skyward. Water cascades down four levels into a reflecting pool behind the altar, symbolizing the Marines' service at sea.
No taxpayer funds were expended in its construction, which was financed with a private donation by retired Marine Capt. Timothy T. Day, now an Arizona businessman.
Nondenominational chapels can seem empty and impersonal, because they lack the symbols of particular faiths. The Quantico chapel compensates by means of a large glass etching behind the altar that depicts a Marine kneeling at prayer and includes a verse of the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save."
David Yount's 14th book, "Making a Success of Marriage" (Rowman and Littlefield), will appear in late November. He answers readers at P.O. Box 2758, Woodbridge, VA 22195 and at dyount31(at)verizon.net.
AMAZING GRACE
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