It’s a privilege to honor all United States (“US”) veterans today, Veterans Day, November 11, 2023!
BACKGROUND and HISTORY
The history leading to what we now refer to as “Veterans Day” began in recognition of the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany, which ended hostilities during World War I. Famously, the armistice occurred on the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” of 1918.
On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time, with President Thomas Woodrow Wilson declaring that the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”
On May 13, 1938, Congress officially made November 11 of each year a legal holiday known as Armistice Day. Armistice Day was initially intended to honor veterans of World War I, but then came World War II and the Korean Conflict. So on June 1, 1954, Congress changed the name of the holiday from “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day” – which became a day to pay tribute to all American veterans, regardless of where or when they served.
OUR MODERN VETERANS DAY
Veterans Day honors all veterans, which includes all who currently serve or have formerly served in the US Army, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Coast Guard (and the Merchant Marine during the period of 12/7/1941 to 8/15/1945).
Whether a veteran’s service happened decades ago, recently or is happening right now, there are certain experiences unique to all military members. Veterans have willingly given up many personal liberties to serve and to protect the freedom and liberties outlined in the US Constitution. This is not a minor obligation. These men and women no longer “own” their lives and they answer to a higher calling well beyond personal desire and preference.
In military service, there is no quitting simply because it is “hard” or one’s feelings have been hurt! Veterans are servants to others, including those who haven’t yet been born, and to our nation. Though never the goal, all military members understand the potential for orders which might risk their very lives for the sake of the mission, and for the protection of their brothers and sisters in arms.
THE ONE WHO CAME TO SERVE, NOT TO BE SERVED
If the foregoing reminds you of a Person who came to heal us, serve us, and save us from our sin, then you would be correct!
According to Matthew 20:28 (Amplified Bible), “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin].”
According to Galatians 2:20 (ESV), Paul says “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave [H]imself for me.”
And, according to John 15:13 (ESV), “[g]reater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends [emphasis mine].”
Praise Jesus!
SOME INTERSTING STATISTICS
The website Statista[.com] has used US Census data to provide some interesting statistics regarding US veterans.
According to the website, the expenditure by states on veteran’s care during 2021 ranged from approximately $406K in Vermont to $21.7M in Texas, with New Mexico spending approximately $1.9M. The complete data and graph may be viewed HERE.
According to the website, the percentage of adult population in each state who were veterans in 2019 ranged from 4.3% in New York to 10.7% in Alaska, with New Mexico at 8.4% – which was well above the US average of 6.9%.
According to the website, approximately 43% of all US veterans in 2021 were 75 years of age or older. The complete data and graph may be viewed HERE.
HELP FOR VETERANS
The primary and most comprehensive organization providing assistance to US veterans remains the US Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). The VA’s main website may be viewed HERE.
If you or someone you love is in crisis or may be thinking of harming or killing themselves, the VA recommends that you immediately: 1) dial 988 and Press 1; 2) chat online; or 3) send a text to 838255. The VA has a webpage for these situations which may be viewed HERE.
PRAYER
If you are willing, let’s pray. Father, we thank You for the men and women who selflessly serve our nation, who return to their homes and families, but are never the same. May the family members and others who love and care for our veterans, not dwell, but never forget the sacrifices made by these men and women – as some of the wounds may be visible, but many are invisible. Lord, be their Healer and Comforter. We also ask for Your mercy and blessing upon our country. We ask that the hearts of the people would turn to You for salvation and wisdom. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Praise Jesus forevermore!