I will be honest, I used to take our military for granted. My dad served in the Army before all of me and my brother and sisters were born, but it was never talked about. We didn’t celebrate Veterans’ Day and I certainly did not understand the distinct difference between Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. I certainly had no idea of the sacrifice given by the men and women who serve, have served and the sacrifice their families gave and give.
When my only son came to me and said he was going to join the Navy, my education began! My education was about history, processes, support groups and much more! I still remember the day during Boot Camp when we received a brown box with all of his clothes and his cell phone. It was disturbing and I had not expected it. But, we were blessed since we only received the box because he did not need those items there!
It takes sacrifice as well as a lot of courage to give up your life to serve our country, even in times of peace. Life is different. For the enlisted time, a new “family” is grown while the connection and communication to home has taken on a new dynamic. Faith expressed through prayer and gratitude help our veterans forge through the struggle,
Service as Love in Action: Remembering Veterans’ Day
In my article “Are You a Laborer for Christ?” I talk about living as a disciple and being a servant leader. Doing so is similar to living as Jesus, serving others through sacrifice. We know all that Jesus did for us. He did not lead a regular life where he went home after work. Jesus travelled and met people to help us conquer the enemy. He even died for us. Many members of the military follow similar paths.
Now, I am definitely not saying they are Jesus, but at that time in their lives they are living out their discipleship through sacrifice that is similar. They give up their “normal” life to serve humankind. Sure, each may have their own reason for doing so, but they are serving as a sign of love for the country, for their family, for their neighbors and for their community. On Veterans’ Day, let’s remember this act of service. Romans 12:10 reminds us to ” love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.” (usccb.org)
Faith in the Face of Duty
Our members of the military often show strength and peace in God’s calling. I know my son sure did. But even with that, there are challenges. Remember they are no longer safe at home and living among the daily norm. Sleeping arrangements are different. Food is different. Time is no longer their own. They do have their faith. They also have support that is given by the military chaplains. There are many organizations that also support our military with prayer, Bibles, Rosaries and boxes of food and snacks. All are important to keep up morale. Nothing provides more comfort than love and faith. Remember their sacrifice. Some of our military have given and will give the greatest sacrifice ever for our freedom. John 15:13 states it clearly: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (usccb.org)
Gratitude and Prayer on Veterans’ Day
Our Veterans need support. It is often difficult to receive spiritual support unless it is asked for. We can take a proactive approach and offer our gratitude and spiritual support today and every day. There are many ways and opportunities to do this.
Prayer: Offer prayer for all of our veterans every day by including them in your regular prayer time. You can add Veterans to regular prayer lists and prayer chains. I have seen some churches offer plastic soldiers for people to take as a reminder to pray for them.
Gratitude: You can show gratitude with a simple “thank you” or you can even pay for a drink or a meal. Also, on Fridays you can wear RED (remember everyone deployed). That is a habit I have maintained since my son was enlisted. Attend Veterans’ Day celebrations to show you care.
There are many organizations that offer opportunities to serve our veterans not only on Veterans’ Day, but every day. You can give donations of money. Food and other material things. You can also use your time and talents to serve.
Living with Purpose
Veterans’ Day is a great reminder for us to serve others in our daily lives. Our veterans have done a great job of living out Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others.” (usccb.org)
Knowing yourself is the first step in living with purpose. Consider your talents and your strengths. How can you put those in action to serve others and live with purpose? The military has the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), there are many tests and assessments available to help you find your strengths. One of my favorites is the CliftonStrengths® assessment. No matter what you use, discover yourself and aim your gifts to serve.
Reflection on Service
As you reflect on Veteran’s Day and how these men and women have served our country during peace time as well as during war time, consider how you serve your community with the same devotion. Where can you best utilize your gifts and talents? How can you make the best use of the time you have available?
If you are unsure, turn to the USO (United Service Organizations). They offer many ways to serve. Our veterans and their families are greatly impacted by the government shutdown and need our help. Take a look at the many programs that the USO offers. There are many ways to make a positive impact. Even if you do not choose to support one financially or with service, you can get ideas of how to serve yourself.
A Prayer for Veterans on Veterans’ Day
Let’s join together as you read this article to pray for our veterans. Let’s pray for peace, healing, and strength for all who serve. Let us pray:
Lord, bless all who have served with courage and compassion. Heal wounds seen and unseen, and fill every veteran’s heart with peace. May we honor their sacrifice by serving others with the same faith and devotion. Amen.
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