Thank You, Veterans!

Whether we call them “doughboys,” as in World War I, or “GIs,” as in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, we need to honor and respect those who fought—and are still fighting— to make sure America remains “the land of the free!”  In the United States, we have two days set aside to honor the military community that have both different origins and different purposes. 

Memorial Day honors those who have died in service to our country.  With roots dating back to the Civil War when citizens would place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers, it was first called Decoration Day.  On May 20, 1868, more than 20,000 Union and Confederate fallen were honored at Arlington National Cemetery.  Decoration Day transitioned into Memorial Day, and in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which established the last Monday in May as Memorial Day.

Veterans Day is designed to honor the more than 19 million men and women who have served in the U.S. military.  It was first observed on November 11, 1919, as Armistice Day celebrating the end of World War I.  In 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. 

My son-in-law, who proudly serves, helped me remember the difference by saying that Memorial Day honors those who died in service, while Veteran’s Day honors the living who have served.  I love that we have the distinct reminder to honor both!

With Election Day occurring less than a week ago, the timing of the holiday seems particularly appropriate this year.  If not for the sacrifice of those who fought and served over past generations, we would not have had the privilege of casting our votes.

It’s therefore fitting and appropriate to take today not only to thank them but also to reflect on the sacrifices made by the more than 18 million living veterans in the United States.

When I thank our service members, the most common responses I hear are: “Just doing my job;” “Glad to have served;” and “It was my honor.”  Their words of humility and service resonate deeply in my heart and mind and speak to principles we cannot let slip away in the United States.  God calls each of us to serve in our own ways, but not all of us are called to put our lives on the line for freedom. 

Though some were conscripted, many of our veterans are those who, when freedom was threatened, stood up and said, “send me.”  These are not individuals who happen upon bravery.  They are the those who rush into the fray, who take vows knowing they will be called upon to do what is hard and what is right to protect us from tyranny, aggression, and oppression.

So, to honor those who have served, we must not only say “thank you,” but we must also rededicate ourselves to nurturing and protecting the ideals of service and humility that undergird our liberty and reflect our faith.  At a minimum, that requires that each of us identify and vote for candidates that will do the same.