This Sunday we celebrate Veterans Day. At this time we remember our men and women who served in the military and who sacrificed so much thorough their dedicated commitment to our country. They were willing to leave behind family and friends to serve our nation.  Many of our Veterans served in Viet Nam or in other foreign lands, or here in the United States. Many others have recently returned home from their tours of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan and have left active military service.  We should also remember the great sacrifices made by military chaplains who are Veterans and who have faithfully served the spiritual needs of our men and women in the armed forces and their families.

Some of our Veterans, especially those who have recently returned from military service, may have difficulty finding meaningful employment.  Some may be struggling with family issues.  Still others may be dealing with Post Traumatic Distress Syndrome. Our political leaders have committed to provide more effective counseling and ongoing medical care to our Veterans in need, and more financial support to Veterans Administration hospitals and treatment centers.  We pray that they will follow through on their commitments.

Most of us have loved ones who have served our country well and now have Veteran status.  Whether our Veterans served at home or abroad, we should not allow their service to be ignored or minimized, or their sacrifice taken for granted.  Through their unselfish dedication, they made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms provided in our nation.  The need to honor our Veterans is reflected in the following “Veterans Day Prayer” from the Christian publication “Face Forward”: