Honoring Our Veterans

Today is Veteran’s Day.  I would like to thank our veterans for their service.   

Those who have read what I have written about just war theory, especially the wars between Israel and Hamas and Ukraine and Russia, might be surprised to hear me thank veterans.   

I am not against the military.  I am against unjust war.  I am against inappropriate use of the military for power, greed, or to bully other nations or groups. 

Later today, as I have each Veteran’s Day since 2021 when I began my present parish assignment, I will participate in a local Veteran’s Day service where I will offer an opening and closing prayer.   

It is my honor to do this.  Why?  First, both my grandfathers were military veterans from the World War II era.  My older brother and one cousin are also veterans.  I also understand the concept of service and standing up for what is right.  When we enjoy the rights that are due us as given by God, we have a duty to do what we can to ensure others have the same rights and freedoms we enjoy (see my article, “With Rights Come Responsibilities”). 

I care deeply about our veterans who are injured in the line of duty.  When they are injured in the line of duty, we have a responsibility as a nation to provide all care related to their injuries. 

This includes those with the invisible scares of PTSD for war is hell.  Seeing their scares shows the greatest price of war.  Wars cost money but the monetary cost is nothing compared to the physical and psychological effects war has on those who serve in the fighting. 

Below you will find the opening and closing prayer I will offer at today’s veterans service.  Some of the prayer remains the same each year while other parts change. 

I would like to offer some thoughts from these prayers.  First, we must always realize that freedom is not free.  It comes with a price.  Jesus has paid the ultimate price for our sins when He was crucified on the Cross.  Our veterans understand sacrifice.  We thank them for their service to protect us and ensure freedom.   

We thank them for their unselfish service.  We honor them for their sacrifice.  We pray they found support in one another when they feel they cannot share their experiences when those who have not experienced the same. 

When they do feel alone, I pray that God makes his presence known to them so that they know that they are never alone. 

I pray that they are never forgotten.  Even when wars end, the effects of wars do not.  The effects can remain in those who were injured psychologically and physically. 

War should never be sought.  I pray for an end to all wars.  I pray for world leaders to allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to find non-military means to prevent war. 

I only know a few veterans by name and even for them, I know little of their specific experiences.  However, God knows each and every one of them by name.  While I have no idea of the pain within them, God knows the memories that haunt them.  He knows exactly what is in their minds and in their hearts as He holds them in his arms. 

I pray for their healing.  I pray for physical healing through healthcare workers who use the gifts God has given them to care for our veterans.  I pray for psychologically and emotional healing through counselors who also use the gifts God has given them to care for our veterans.  I pray for healing of their souls.  If they carry guilt for their actions, I point them to Jesus’ death on the Cross that heals us from our sins. 

I pray for the VA and for each local veterans service agencies to work to make sure every veteran receives all the help they need and deserve. 

Peace, 

 Fr. Jeff 

Opening Prayer 

Lord,  
We know that “freedom is not free.” 
Today we come to honor our veterans who served our country 
so that we may have freedom and that we may be safe. 
We thank them for their unself service to protect our country 
and may we honor them by ensuring the freedoms 
they fought for are not lost. 
We honor them because we realize their service comes with a price, 
some have given their lives while others have permanent and visible injuries 
that forever change them. 
Father God, you know that it can be difficult for a person 
who has returned from battle or stressful military service 
to reintegrate into ‘normal’ everyday life. 
You know that veterans can feel isolated and alone 
even in the midst of their families and friends. 
We ask that You assure every one of them of your presence. 
We pray for all their needs. 
We pray for an end to all wars for the price of war is great 
in ways that has nothing to do with money. 
For the time we spend here today, let us focus our hearts on them 
as we offer our thanks to them. 
Amen. 

Closing Prayer 

Lord, war should never be sought 
but when unjust forces start a war 
we honor and thank those who answer the call to service. 
Even as we pray for an end to all wars, 
we pray for our government to do what is possible to avoid war. 
When there is war, 
we pray for the safety of those called to fight 
and may they know we honor them for their willingness to serve, 
service for justice, not power or fame. 
We pray that when they come home, 
let it be without injury. 
For those who are injured, 
may they find help from people who understand the depths of their wounds. 
We pray for healing of all their wounds. 
You know each one of them by name and all their struggles. 
We ask you to help with any memories that haunt them. 
We pray for the VA and our local veterans service agency 
to help our veterans ensure the veterans 
get the help they need and deserve. 
And we pray for their families. 
Amen.