November 10, 2019
Dear Friends,
Veterans Day is a day to honor our military veterans for their service to this country. It is a day to honor our heroes for the sacrifices they make for our nation. The origin of Veterans Day can be traced back to World War I. The Armistice with Germany, which formally ended the war, went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. It takes tremendous courage for a soldier to risk it all to protect his/her country. Today we offer thanks to these extraordinary women and men, and we offer this prayer:
Holy God, may every man and woman who have served and are serving in the armed forces - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, feel the deep and enduring gratitude of our nation and its people. You know that it can be difficult for a person who has returned from battle or stressful military service to reintegrate into ‘normal’ everyday life. You know that veterans can feel isolated and alone even in the midst of their friends and families because there are few around who understand their experience. So, we ask you to place in the path of our veterans those who do understand (or strive to), that they may feel less alone. Remind them that you see, you know and you bless them.
You know how deep a warrior’s wounds go. You know the loss that many of our veterans feel in body and soul. You know the memories that haunt them and the scars that many of them continue to carry. Please bring healing to those veterans who still hurt. Please grant patience and wisdom to those around them who cannot understand but can sometimes help the healing process. We ask you to especially be with the many homeless veterans and encourage all of us to address this deep concern. Please bless these brave women and men. Amen.
On Sunday morning we will ask our veterans to stand so that we may honor and bless them.
Blessings on the journey,