Thanks to Our Veterans!

             This past Saturday, we celebrated “Veterans Day”.  According to the Federal Government, a veteran is “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.”  That’s only the tip of the iceberg.  A veteran is so much more!

Since the American Revolution, men, and now women as well, have been trained to defend freedom on the field of battle.  In those early days, the men of the New England colonies were ready to defend their homes at a moment’s notice, hence the name “Minute Men”.  While they were not victorious in all their battles, they fought tirelessly, knowing that the cause was too great to abandon.  Ultimately, their determination and courage prevailed and their efforts to “form a more perfect union” came to fruition through the adoption of the U. S. Constitution.

Since that tumultuous beginning, war has unfortunately been an almost constant companion.   Over the course of two centuries, our Veterans have fought to preserve what had been established and to defeat evil dictators around the world.  Some Veterans have come home to victory parades, while others have been cursed and spit upon, long since forgotten by those they chose to defend. 

Regardless of what you think of war, it has long been a necessary part of society.  There are times when “right” must rise up against evil and defend the way of life and values that we hold dear.  The men and women of those battles are our defenders, our protectors, our faithful warriors.  When they put on those uniforms, just like the signers of the Declaration of Independence, they pledge their “lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.”  For that, we owe them respect and gratitude.  The Scripture says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15: 13 NIV84).  Every time someone puts on a uniform, they have committed themselves to the possibility of giving their own life to protect ours. 

The next time you see a Veteran, thank him or her for their service.  Our freedom depends on them.  Don’t ever take their sacrifice for granted. 

John 15: 13