Celebrating Faith, Service, and Eternal Hope at Kensico
by Warren L. Maye
Sing we many years of blessing
Since the Army opened fire,
Led by valiant hearts possessing
Love’s unquenchable desire;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Still their lives our own inspire.
— Will John Brand (1889–1977), Song 977
Rain clouds loomed but kept their distance, and the sun shone on Salvation Army officers, cadets, and families attending the annual Memorial Service on Sunday, May 18, at Kensico Cemetery. Occasional train whistles and crossing bells carried in the air that blew across the lush, rolling hills in Valhalla, N.Y.
“We welcome each one of you,” said Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz, territorial commander, speaking to both those present in their pristine blue uniforms and people watching via livestream. He stood at the podium under a sturdy tent that sheltered the Salvationists gathered to offer a heartfelt tribute to those officers promoted to Glory from 2024 to 2025. Commissioner Bukiewicz referred to them as “a great cloud of witnesses who we gather to honor, to remember, to celebrate, and to thank God for their impact upon our Salvation Army.”
The territorial leader respectfully acknowledged their influence on the people under the tent and following the service online when he said, “They have made us better versions of what God has designed us to be.” Then, by special request, he reprised his memorable oration of the poem “Triumph of the Journey,” which he delivered at last year’s memorial service.
The Cadet Chorus from the College for Officer Training sang “I Prepare a Place” by Diane Hannibal, as arranged by Roger Thornhill.
After a reading of Jude 17–25 by Commissioner Bukiewicz, Major Inger Furman, territorial assistant secretary for program, offered a Salvationist’s salute to those promoted to Glory by reading their names during the roll call, which was followed by the playing of “Taps.” Cadets, carefully walking in lockstep, placed small Salvation Army flags in front of every headstone, and a wreath was laid to honor the souls being remembered. Music by the New York Staff Band also set a meaningful tone throughout the service.
Glory, gratitude, and grace
“All glory to God for His eternal love through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Major William Furman, territorial assistant secretary for personnel, as he began his message. “May God’s blessing be upon us as we remember those who have valiantly served and have been summoned home to Glory, and as we continue to uphold the standards, the ministry, and the mission of The Salvation Army by their encouragement and set by their example. The great themes of our Salvation Army are found in our scripture reading today from the epistle of Jude.
“We have this wonderful assurance as Jude expresses; God is with us. Hallelujah!” said Major Furman. “The theme of salvation resounds — God’s mercy is available to all. Yes, to the ungodly, and yes, to those who doubt. The Salvation Army’s mission is clearly expressed as Jude encourages us to snatch the unsaved from the fire, to save them in Jesus’ name. And we have this great confidence that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion.”
In steady but comforting tones, Furman reflected on the themes of salvation, mercy, and the call to save others through faith in Jesus Christ. His message highlighted the importance of compassion, service to all humanity, and living a holy life as essential aspects of the Army’s mission.
Finally, Furman encouraged his audience to recommit themselves to this legacy while recognizing the ongoing battle against evil.
“We rise each morning and resist the devil, confident that he will flee from us as God has promised in His Word. And we joyfully keep ourselves in God’s love as you and I, together, wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring us home to Heaven, to our eternal reward, and to eternal life. The Lord God bless us, and may God bless The Salvation Army.”
Lt. Colonel Margaret Davis, territorial secretary for program, led the gathering in the hymn “God Is With Us” before Lt. Colonel David Davis, territorial assistant chief secretary, offered a closing benediction.
God is with us, God is with us,
So our brave forefathers sang,
Far across the field of battle
Loud their holy war cry rang;
Though at times they feared and faltered,
Never once they ceased to sing.
— Walter John Mathams (1853–1931), Song 923
Scripture reading from Jude 17–25 (NLT)
But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.
