A Proper for Veterans' Day

Today is Veterans' Day in the US, the day originally when WWI ended, on the 11th month on the 11th day at the 11th hour. My first job out of college was as a civilian in the Information Technology group within the Defense Logistics Agency, an agency of the US Department of Defense. I got the opportunity to work with lots of active duty Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airfolk (we called them "airmen" in the 80s) and gained great respect for what they do and did. My Federal service was a wonderful time for me, made so in large part because of the dedication and duty of the military members I had the privilege of working with and for. Even now, when I so disagree with the foreign policy of our nation, I cannot help but be angry with the way the current Administration has treated our veterans. No matter whether I agree with why they have been sent overseas or not, we as a nation still owe them and must take care of them and their families. That, I believe, is our solemn obligation.

And, as I observed on Memorial Day, we in the church do a disservice to our Veterans, it seems to me, by not having a proper observance on this day. Seems to me we could use the same observance as I suggested for Memorial Day andit would work fine. Alternatively, the stuff from Joel about the ravaging army (we are reading it in the Daily Office this week) would be appropriate. Are there other passages that come to mind?

For Heroic Service, BCP p. 839


O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

RFSJ