Veterans Day

Yesterday was a very special Armistice Day, the 100th anniversary of the day when the armistice was signed to bring the fighting of World War I to a halt. Did you pause for a moment of remembrance at 11:00 A.M. on 11/11? I'm afraid that most of us were far too busy with our 21st century lives to remember that somber day from the early 20th century, weren't we?

The armistice signed on November 11, 1918, brought an end to the "Great War," the bloody conflict that people thought would be "the war to end all wars."

That's not the way it turned out, is it?

Today—Veterans Day— is a day to remember and honor our troops--all who have served and all who serve now.

Memorial Day in the spring is a sacred day, a time set apart to honor those who died in service to their country. It is right, of course, that we should devote a special day to that remembrance.

But Veterans Day is a day for honoring all who served. Each man or woman who has ever spent time in service to this country deserves to be thanked and honored. Each one has made sacrifices. We owe them all a debt of gratitude.

I know this is true. Three years ago my oldest son was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. He is now a Lieutenant Junior Grade, still in training to be a naval aviator. For more than three years now, his life has not been his own; he answers to the Navy, and he serves as he is ordered to serve.

This country of ours is not perfect. In the past few years, we've seen just how imperfect it is in many ways. Yet people still risk their lives to try to arrive on these shores.

On this Veterans Day, let's pause and be grateful for those who have given so much for the freedoms that we too often take for granted. 

And may we also pause to give thanks to the Lord who loves every man and woman serving not just our country, but countries all around the world: we thank You and bless Your name, and we ask your protection on those now in harm's way.

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bids the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

O hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

O Christ, whose voice the waters heard,

And hushed their raging at Thy word,

Who walkedst on the foaming deep,

And calm amid the storm didst sleep;

O hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea.

O Holy Spirit, who didst brood

Upon the waters dark and rude,

And bid their angry tumult cease,

And give for wild confusion peace;

O hear us, when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and pow'r,

Thy children shield in danger's hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

Protect them, wheresoe'er they go:

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

William Whiting