Perhaps this isn’t the best holiday to celebrate our freedoms. We usually talk about that on the Fourth of July. But I don’t know of a better time to say, “Thank you” to the men and women who made it their job to protect the freedoms our Founding Fathers established 250 years ago.
America is surrounded by our Military Branches who guard our borders, represent us during conflicts and wars, watch over our residents abroad, and provide protection for our Embassies and Ambassadors all over the world.
Our Military persons have been the heart of America by distributing food to the starving, and helping rescue those lost or injured in devastating disasters, both inside and outside of our borders.
One of my favorite things to do when working at a weekly newspaper, (many years ago) was to interview Veterans who were willing to share their stories. These heroes walk among us in their farm chore clothes, business suits, white doctor coats, nurse’s scrubs or in camouflage. Our Veterans are teachers, pilots, cooks, or any career you can think of. Their experience, physical wounds, or their tortured psyche may be the only indicators of their previous lives.
“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you,” (Deuteronomy 32:7 NIV).
If you have a Veteran in your family, neighborhood, church, pickleball group, or other entity, say, “Thank You”. If they are willing to talk about their experiences, listen. If not, give them a handshake, or hug, or a salute. They are the reason we are free.
Lord God Almighty,
Thank You for walking with our Veterans when they faced such terrible atrocities, worse than we can ever imagine. Please Lord, touch the hearts of our Veterans today and heal them of their nightmares and flashbacks and guilt. Help the rest of us reach out to those who are hurting. Help us to bring Jesus to them so they know they are loved and respected and appreciated for their service. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
To God Be the Glory!
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