Veteran’s Day is usually observed every year on November 11th because on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany came into effect. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson declared that the day should be be celebrated with prayers and gratitude for the victory and in honor for those who died in service for our country. In 1926, Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and declared that the “day of armistice” as a day to display the flag, hold parades, and briefly suspend all business activities at 11:00 am. An Act of Congress approved on May 13, 1938, declared November 11 a national holiday known as Armistice Day. Not many years later in 1954 after World War II and the Korean Conflict, veteran service organizations petitioned Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans” to honor those who served in all wars. Today, banks and government offices are closed and no mail is delivered on November 11th. Many schools and businesses that are open, have ceremonies and honor veterans, thanking them for their service.
We, as Christians are also serving “in the Lord’s Army.” As the children’s song says, “I may never march in the infantry, ride in the calvary, shoot the artillery. No, I may never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s Army.” Our “adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8) What kind of soldier are you? Are you a “Christian veteran?” Would others celebrate your “service in the Lord’s army?”
May we always honor and treasure those who serve. God Bless, Courtney