Slobodan Milosevic was representing himself at his international tribunal. He had a fool for a client but there may have been just a hint of method to his madness. He did expire before the trial did. He wasn’t convicted and he wasn’t executed.

Saddam Hussein, on the other hand, had plenty of representation, was convicted, and sentenced to death by hanging. The sentence was appealed and the appeal was denied. His day of reckoning has arrived.

Two genocidal dictators. One didn’t outlast his trial. The other didn’t outlast the second trial. Neither one is walking this earth anymore.

May God have mercy on their souls.

With faith in Jesus Christ we receive the body of our brother Gerald for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the giver of life, that He will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints. Deliver your servant Gerald O sovereign Lord Christ from all evil. Set him free from every bond that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Let us also pray for all who mourn, that they may cast their care on God and know the consolation of His love. Almighty God, look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom we pray. Remember them, Lord, with mercy, nourish them with patience, comfort them with a sense of Your goodness, lift up Your countenance upon them and give them peace through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.