Today is Veterans Day. With our military personnel deployed around the world, with many in mortal danger, and with a new Commander in Chief taking office, this day of respect is timely. Originally it was called Armistice Day, so proclaimed by President Wilson in 1919. It was made a federal holiday in 1938 and in 1954 Congress renamed it Veterans Day.
Our veterans and active military personnel demonstrate love. We don’t associate the world military with the word love. Quite the opposite! What the military does seems to be the direct antithesis of love. But imagine yourself being shot at in an airplane. Imagine your ship being torpedoed. Imagine knowing your Humvee could be blown up. Whether drafted or enlisted, our soldiers, sailors and airmen put their lives on the line for others. We’re not just talking about being a good citizen, about going to vote, about paying taxes, which is our privilege in this great country. No, we’re talking here about facing death to save others. Our veterans did that and did that for you and me.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Love was at work, admittedly a strange manifestation of love, when our veterans put their lives on the line. Oh, how confused is our society’s self-serving understanding of love! Love is more than romance; it is selfless service. And it shows why we thank a vet today.
O God of the nations, we thank You for the sacrifice of our veterans. They served so that we might have the blessings of freedom. We pray for those who serve around the world today. Keep them ever vigilant. Protect them in battle. Make their service noble by inspiring them with selfless love. Lord, in your mercy, bring them home safely. Amen.
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