During a service at the Pentagon on April 16, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recited a prayer that included altered lines from a fictional biblical passage featured in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Pulp Fiction.” This occurrence has drawn attention from various media outlets.
Austin stated that the text was provided to him by a “lead mission planner” involved in the rescue of two US Air Force crew members downed over Iran. The prayer was delivered in a government building, reflecting a blend of military and cultural references.
“The path of the downed pilot is surrounded by the lawlessness of selfish men and the tyranny of evil people. Blessed is he who, in the name of community and duty, leads the lost through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will execute great vengeance upon thee with furious rebukes for those who attempt to seize and destroy my brother. And you will know my call sign is ‘Sandy 1’ when I lay my vengeance upon thee. Amen,”
Austin recited during the service. The initial lines of this modified prayer were originally crafted for a monologue in “Pulp Fiction,” written by Tarantino and co-writer Roger Avary.
In the film, the character played by Samuel L. Jackson mistakenly attributes these lines to a quote from the Book of Ezekiel (25:17) before committing an act of violence. Austin’s adaptation replaced the term “Lord” with the call sign of the unit involved in the rescue operation, illustrating a unique intersection of military duty and popular culture.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recitation of a modified prayer at a Pentagon service, drawing from a scene in "Pulp Fiction," has garnered media attention. The prayer, provided by a mission planner, reflects a blend of military and cultural elements.