Thank God for Veterans

Veterans Day is more than a three-day weekend.

Thank God for veterans! How honorable are the people who will leave their families, homes, and lives and voluntarily join with like-minded people to defend the people of our country? They risk their lives to save ours. Many don’t come home; I am thankful that mine did.

My family has a long history of serving our country in the military. It often saddens me that I don’t have a picture to add between my dad and son. I have learned that no decision is a decision.

I am profoundly grateful for the innumerable individuals who have served in our nation's military over the course of history. My family's lineage traces back to the Civil War on the Union side and the War of Independence representing the United Colonies, predating even the founding of America. Yet, my family's legacy is merely a single drop in the vast sea of those who dedicated themselves to honorable service for our country.

When we look at God’s Word for veterans, the obvious choice is King David.

But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’ - Acts 13:22

King David fought countless battles for many years. He was a man who made many mistakes, at times showed bad judgment, and did the worst thing a military person can do. He stole the wife of a fellow soldier and arranged for that soldier to be killed in battle.

Despite his transgressions, when David repented and endured the repercussions of his actions, God reconciled with him. Veterans, being human, have their flaws, and sometimes those shortcomings create self-inflicted wounds to their souls. It's crucial for them to understand that God will not abandon them, and it is equally important that we do not forsake them either.

As we celebrate Veterans Day today, let’s make it more than a three-day weekend. When we see a vet, thank them for their service. When we see our flag, let’s remind ourselves of the pledge of allegiance that (most of us) learned in school. Let’s ensure our government provides honorable welfare for our veterans, just as our veterans provided honorable service to our nation.

Thank God for veterans!