Every day at a restaurant in town, promptly at noon, the sound of kitchen equipment, trays and people comes to a stop for roughly two minutes. During the two minutes, diners and staff salute, remove their hats and reflect as the Star Spangled Banner is played over the speaker system. I love to be there but I always know that I am going to tear up. I am very patriotic and appreciative of those who have fought for my freedom. I grew up expected to put my hand on my heart and be quiet and still for the National Anthem and I taught that to my girls.
In 1938, legislature passed November 11 to be “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be here after celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” This new legal holiday honored World War I veterans. The importance of Veterans Day is to pause, reflect and remember to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. 1 John 3: 16-18, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
These men and women served and sacrificed much for our country. Patriotic and proud, they willingly laid down their lives to protect and defend, in wartime and peace. I thank God for those He has called to serve. I ask Him to cover them with His hand of protection. Romans 13: 7, “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
I thank God that we have religious freedom to attend a church that we choose. I can own a Bible. I choose who I marry. These freedoms have been protected by the members of the military. Most of us are able to put a face on a soldier. I remember watching my parents when my brother went to war and then made a career of it. Before cell phones Mom rarely heard anything. When she did he may only have a minute because there were many in the line. Usually the connection was so bad they could not hear. Then they watched their grandson go to war. My grandmother watched two of her sons go at the same time. I know there were many prayers going up by these families.
I have seen families struggle with fears of their soldier never returning. Many soldiers come back radically changed due to living through horrible events. They have seen and felt hate. Their hearts have been broken for those who have suffered and died. Then they struggle with the memories. Many come back with physical pain from their injuries. What can we do for them? We can do what the Bible tells us to do. Pray for them and love them.
King David commanded armies and trusted in the Lord during these times. He wrote these words. Psalm 3: 1-8, “Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’ But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.” Murder and war came with the fall of mankind. Cain killed Abel, wars fill the pages of scripture, God’s chosen people hated Jesus and crucified Him. Despite man’s evil, God still showers us with love and offers us eternal life with him.
May we pray for our veterans to feel the supernatural love of Jesus to help them through tough times and tough memories. Pray that Jesus will guide them into His precious peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4: 7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Let’s remember to thank God for protecting us through the work of men and women who are devoted to our freedom. Psalm 138: 1-2, 7, “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,....Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.”
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