On this day November 11, 2024, we celebrate Veterans Day to honor the soldiers, both past and present, who have made sacrifices for our freedom.

 

If you are a Veteran, I salute you for your service to our nation.

 

Also, I’m aware that the military is not for everyone, and everyone can’t go into the military.

 

With that said, Veteran’s Day signals or marks a specific chapter in my life, being at the bedside of my father who passed 11-11-2020 at the age of 93 years old.

 

It’s hard to believe four years ago watching him through his final days of life and assisting him through the Hospice process was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

 

Dad’s passing on Veteran’s Day was so fitting for him and our family.

 

If it’s God’s will, I plan to visit his gravesite at the Tacoma National Cemetery in three years in honor of his 100^th Heavenly Birthday.

 

Tahoma National Cemetery – National Cemetery Administration

 

So that you’re aware, there is a difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

 

“Veterans Day is observed every November 11, and  recognizes all who have served in the Armed Forces.”

 

The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day – Homes For Our Troops

 

I’m honored to know my father served in three conflicts, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

 

Today, I have various friends who served in the military with me whom I also honor.  Some are still here, and some have passed on.

 

On this Veteran’s Day let us also pray for all the widows of our fallen comrades.  I know from experience those who visit their husbands’ or spouses’ gravesites to sit and chat about life without them.

 

In being aware of those sacrifices of wives for their husbands who went off to war, I believe we owe them a debt of gratitude as they faithfully awaited their return.

 

There are many prayers for widows; however, for today I have chosen this one.

 

Heavenly Father, Amid the deep sorrow and pain accompanying the loss of a spouse, we come before You today, seeking Your comforting presence to surround and embrace the widows in our midst.

 

Lastly, I am also amazed at the number of homeless Veterans on the streets.

 

The government has cut the homeless veteran population by over 50% in a decade, but 33,000 are still on the streets | Fortune

 

None of us could predict where our lives would take us after graduation from high school.

 

I am forever grateful that I have a roof over my head when I think about all those homeless regardless of if they are a veteran or not walking the streets.

 

Every time someone tells me, thank you for your service, I know it was God’s Grace.

 

Today, I say thank you for all that served.  I’m honored to have served my 30 years in this great country, we call the United States of America.

 

On This Day it is about those who have sacrificed their time and energy to serve.

 

Having served in the military as part of the Cold War, I know the numbers are down in contrast to those who serve in the military today.

 

A look at the changing profile of the U.S. military | Pew Research Center

 

Today, I challenge everyone to take a moment and reflect on the price of freedom that comes with a good night’s sleep while others are staying awake for the safety of this country.

 

I leave you with three Veterans Day Quotes each having a different meaning:

 

“We, too, born to freedom, and believing in freedom, are willing to fight to maintain freedom. We, and all others who believe as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

 

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.” ~Nelson Mandela

 

“Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.” ~Clare Boothe Luce