Thankfulness for Veterans

A wonderful way to cultivate gratitude is to recognize the significance of our blessings. One of our greatest advantages in life is the freedom we enjoy in America. During a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, on May 31, 1982, President Ronald Reagan captured the significance of this gift when he said, "Freedom is not free."

When we reflect on this freedom, we should be grateful to God for our liberties and those who have served in the Armed Forces to protect and preserve them. Therefore, today, we express profound gratitude for our veterans. In doing so, let us first understand the origins of the day.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides information about the origins of Veterans Day on its official website. Here is their statement: "World War I – known at the time as ‘The Great War’ – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars."

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the importance of peace in our nation and to honor those who wore the uniform. In the grand scheme of life, the true heroes are not celebrities, athletes, or actors. Instead, we should focus on our veterans by ensuring that school curricula accurately highlight their heroic contributions. They deserve appropriate tax benefits and immediate access to medical care. Words alone are not enough; veterans need our appreciation and decisive action from our country.

Knowing this about our Veterans, we can share Paul's joy for the church in Philippi when he said,  "I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you" (Philippians 1:3).