Pentagon officials announced the hosting of the first-ever outdoor Christmas worship service at the base on Wednesday, led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth alongside religious leaders Franklin Graham, Anne Wilson, and Matthew West.

During the service, Hegseth stated: “We’ve gotten some ‘criticism’ for hosting a Christian prayer service at the Pentagon yesterday. We said it very publicly, we said it very proudly.” He also appealed to God, saying: “I appeal to God, to Jesus Christ for that protection.”

Hegseth referenced George Washington’s historical practice of praying with troops and noted that “chaplains and ministers and Christians across generations have prayed because of the business we’re in.” The service concluded with Hegseth urging divine protection for deployed forces worldwide, elected officials, local leaders, state leaders, and military personnel.