VETERANS DAY 2012 - THANK YOU

 

We honor our veterans best by serving them when they return from fighting our wars or leave the service. We honor them by providing compassionate and generous care for those who are broken in body, mind, or spirit and by providing opportunities for all veterans to further their education or training, to provide jobs for them, so the numbers of homeless veterans don't grow. All the fancy, patriotic words in the world will count for nothing if we do not back up our words with actions. Veterans served in the military in place of the rest of us. I thank them from my heart for their service.

A Prayer for Veterans' Day

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.

(Book of Common Prayer)

VETERANS DAY - HONORING ALL WHO SERVED

To all who have served in the armed forces of our country, I honor and thank you for serving. I honor you who have served in wars, you who have experienced the horror of war. I honor you who have returned from war wounded in body, mind, or spirit.

I honor your loved ones who waited, and worried, and prayed for your safe return. With them I join in thanksgiving for your return home.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, I ask your blessing upon all veterans today. Pour out your love upon them and bring healing of body, mind, and spirit. Grant all strength and courage as they go forward, and, Lord God, give them comfort, consolation, and your peace that passes understanding to keep their minds and hearts.

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.

(Book of Common Prayer, p. 839)