Honoring Our Veterans

The United States has two specific days to honor those who have served in our armed forces. Each May we honor those who have given their lives in defense of our country. Memorial Day, originally Decoration Day, was instituted May 5, 1868 and observed May 30 of that same year. Annually, the last Monday of May serves as this day of solemn remembrance.

Veterans Day Honors All Veterans

The companion to Memorial Day is Veterans Day, held on November 11 each year. As stated on the Veterans Administration website, “While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.”

Today is November 11, Veterans Day, and I’d like to take a few moments to honor these brave men and women who have stood in the gap for our nation.

Our Veterans Defend Our Freedom

It is true that we have a constitution that guarantees our freedoms as American citizens, but it is the responsibility of our military to defend that constitution and the citizens it insures against all enemies foreign and domestic. We are able to go to work freely, gather freely, worship freely, and live freely because of men and women who put their lives on the line preserving those freedoms. I don’t have to travel to Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan or myriad other places to fight because so many have volunteered to do it on my behalf.

Our nation’s history remembers numerous wars and military actions not categorized as “war” but put our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guard members in harm’s way. Our most recent major wars, World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 War on Terror are remembered by those still among us. Almost every church has among its members veterans of those wars, veterans who served in other military actions, as well as veterans who served between military actions. These men and women deserve our respect and thanks. The America we know would not exist without them. I personally hold veterans in high esteem because my Dad served in the Air Force and Jeana’s Dad served in the Navy. Both are in heaven today, but I have always been touched by their service. Additionally, I believe our Cross Church veterans are some of America’s finest.

Veterans Deserve Our Appreciation and Respect

Veterans Day reminds us of sacrifice, heroism, service, loyalty, power, glory, and ideals. It also reminds us many veterans struggle with depression, guilt, and PTSD. Many have a difficult time re-integrating into “normal life” when their tours are over. Appreciation for their service might require more of us than an ovation once a year. It might require sitting with them, listening to their stories or concerns and encouraging them in the midst of it all.

Today is Veterans Day. Will you join me in honoring our veterans? Why not call a veteran and thank them for their service, take a vet to lunch, or sit and visit a while? The freedom to do so rests greatly on the service veterans have provided or the sacrifices they have made. It is the very least we can do.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd