A Day of Honoring Our Veterans

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11 as a federal holiday in the United States. It honors all military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. November 11, 1918 is regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars". Cease fighting of World War I went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. In November 1919 President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day. The United States Congress passed a resolution in 1926 that included:

"Whereas 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;".

John's Great Grandfather was a veteran of the Civil War. John Hower Stewart enlisted as a private in Company H of the 4th Regiment Army of the Iowa Infantry and was drafted for a one-year term of service in October 1864 in Davenport, Iowa. He enlisted as a substitute for a wealthy man who paid Stewart so he could stay out of the draft.  He served in campaigns in Georgia and battles in Columbia, South Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, and the march with General Sherman to the sea.

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free," (Ephesians 6:7-8 NIV).

O, God, we lift up our Veterans today and thank them for their dedicated service. We ask that You touch their lives and bring healing to their hearts today for all the horrifying things they experienced in war. Only You, Lord, can restore their wellness. Help them feel honored today, and help us show the respect they deserve. We thank You, Lord, for Your presence. Amen.