MONDAY November 11, 2024

Veterans Day

Blessed be the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle—
Psalm 144:1

Today is Veterans Day. It was formerly called Armistice Day. On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed between Germany and the allies, ending World War 1. The word Armistice in Latin means “to stand (still) arms.” President Wilson established Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War 1. It became a national holiday in the United States to honor those who served.

Did you know that during World War 1, more than 30,000 Americans died in the fighting and were buried overseas? It is well-known that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a symbolic grave for all those whose remains have not been found or identified. However, the Tomb was first built for the remains of a service member from World War I. Since then, several other remains of service members have been buried there.

Veterans Day now celebrates the service of all U.S. Military veterans. The United States Congress passed legislation on June 4, 1926, which includes these words:

...it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations....

War is terrifying. It causes untold misery, death and destruction. It is good for nations to work toward peace, but the world is unstable. War exists still among many nations today. Hamas committed unspeakable atrocities on October 7th, 2023, and Israel declared war against them and others who seek their harm. Israel continues to strategically fight against her enemies. We must pray for Israel and all the men and women who continue to fight for freedom.

Never before have men crossed the seas to a foreign land to fight for a cause which they did not pretend was peculiarly their own, but knew was the cause of humanity and of mankind.
~President Woodrow Wilson~

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