Bugle is played by Tom Butterfield, a descendant of General Daniel Butterfield, who wrote “Taps” during the Civil War. Then Sarah Lee Michaels sings the Star Spangled Banner, followed by prayers from Fr. Christopher Manuele, Rabbi Steven Axelman, and Dr. Jim Garlow.
Fr. Christopher Manuele is a Melkite Greek Catholic priest. He serves a congregation including many Christian Arabs–one of the religious groups most subject to Islamic persecution throughout the world. Rabbi Steven Axelman is a trained psychotherapist and a Talmudic scholar. Dr. Jim Garlow, a pastor, was appointed by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich to be the Chairman of ReAL (Renewing American Leadership), based in DC. He founded and led the California Pastors Rapid Response Team, a group of pastors committed to religious, personal and economic freedoms.