The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Stan Gruneich

National Chaplain
The American Legion, SD

Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, (D-SD)
Date of Prayer: 03/06/2007

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

(Ms. HERSETH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Ms. HERSETH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Stan Gruneich , National Chaplain of the American Legion, as guest chaplain of the House of Representatives.

On behalf of the entire House, thank you, Reverend, for your prayer, for serving as guest chaplain, for your military service to this country, and for your service to the American Legion as national chaplain. We are honored to have you here today.

Reverend Gruneich was appointed National Chaplain of the American Legion on August 30, 2006. A U.S. Army Vietnam–era veteran, he received his bachelor of arts degree and his master's in divinity from the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

He is a member of the Kelly–Porter Post 70 in Flandreau, South Dakota. During his 22 years in the American Legion, Chaplain Gruneich has held several key positions. In addition to serving as post commander, he brings 15 years of experience as the South Dakota department chaplain to the floor today.

Reverend Gruneich , I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues in the American Legion to ensure our Nation's veterans receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.
Madam Speaker, thank you. And thank you again to the Reverend, as we thank him for sharing his spiritual guidance and wisdom here today in the House of Representatives and for his commitment to serving his fellow veterans.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Holy God, our help in ages past, present and future. In this place of history and memories we remember with gratitude that you have blessed our nation with this great land as our heritage for this space in time. Grant that in humility we all may live worthy of that trust.

Bless this legislative body with clear vision, deep insight, and courage to seek and do what is right. In your gracious mercy, Lord, may each strive to see the best in everyone else. It is then that they can discern what is best for all, here and in the world around us.

We pray for the men and women of our military services. Sustain them and their families during difficult times. Give your comfort to the wounded in body or mind. Grant eternal rest to those who died in the line of duty.

Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory