We remember.

Happy Veterans Day on this Wednesday, November 11, 2009. There is a history of how this particular day came to be the one we recognize where we as a grateful nation pause to pay tribute to all veterans and thank God for their willingness to serve our country. It started out as a day set aside to honor veterans of WWI but as we all know this world is filled with wars and rumors of war, therefore, over time, it was changed to honor all who have honorably worn the uniform of our country. My deceased dad and his deceased twin brother both served in WW2. My step dad is retired from the U. S. Army and he served in Korea and Vietnam. This week my mom is hosting a mini-reunion for her two remaining siblings, Uncle Asa and Uncle Waymon and their wives. Both of these men fought for our country in WW2. Uncle Asa is 88 and still going strong. Uncle Waymon is 84 and dealing with health issues but still able to travel. I want to pay special tribute to my step dad and these two men for being heroes to our family.

This past Sunday, our local fellowship, like Churches all over America, had all those who have served to stand and be recognized. It always puts a lump in my throat as many of our most elderly wobble their way to the front and then stand at attention and offer a salute to the flag of our nation. It is our privilege to offer our gratitude to these who served. At the same time we also remember the fallen who were willing to go but were not able to return. We remember those who suffered injuries, some that altered their lives forever. We also remember those who have suffered great emotional injury that has made everyday life a challenge in their return to the civilian world. All of these remembrances have one thing in common: Sacrifice. And, we thank God for so many who gave so much that we might remain a free people.

I watched much of the proceedings at the memorial from Fort Hood, Texas yesterday. For those killed in such a senseless way, it was a sad tribute, but a tribute indeed to what this country is all about as those from every corner who had volunteered to serve were memorialized. In honor of all our veterans I offer up this prayer to our Great God: “We ask for blessings on all those who have served our country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe. Bring solace to them, O Lord. Have mercy on all our veterans who answered our nation’s call to service. Bring peace to their hearts and peace to the regions they fought in. Bless all the soldiers who served in non-combative postings; May their calling to service continue in their lives in many positive ways. These who have fought to make peace, may they know you O Lord, the Prince of Peace, I pray in Jesus Name.” Amen. …..More later.