Across the street from our house sits the local American Legion Post, its building and parking lot complemented by a small park with a pavilion and picnic tables. Every day there’s some activity at the Legion. Fridays are busiest with the weekly fish fry, Saturdays often bring a wedding reception, but Veterans Day is special. After today’s parade on Main Street, many veterans and their families will gather at the Legion across the street and also at the VFW a block to the north. You who saw combat, mechanics, engineers, doctors, nurses, cooks, accountants, communication specialists, lawyers, chaplains…all the skills and professions within the military that have contributed to our national well-being. We thank you.
Even on slow days, you can be sure some cars will be in the lot. Why do they gather? It’s a home away from home. It’s a place where veterans can gather and reminisce. They can discuss the latest local and national news. They can speak their minds, their opinions challenged or endorsed by others. Yes, they do it over a beer and maybe playing a video game because it’s also a place to relax and socialize. The Legion and VFW are what sociologists call a “mediating institution,” a place where individuals know they belong, a place that helps them see their role in our bigger, impersonal society. As we honor veterans for their service on active duty, their continued gathering, support for one another, and contributions to our communities continue to contribute to our well-being.
The greatest military before ours was the legions of the Roman Empire, “the largest permanent organization in the western ancient world, one without which the Roman Empire could not have existed, let alone been created; of the men who made it work and the women and children who shared their lives” (Guy de la Bedoyere, “Gladius: The World of the Roman Soldier,” 2). Roman legions, active and veterans, without any doubt helped make possible the peaceful conditions in which Christianity grew. As in the first century, today we pray “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:3). Our veterans provided that for us when they were on active duty, and they continue to do so for us today as they gather, support one another, and contribute to our communities.
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