Honor Owed
Pay to all what is owed to them…respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed…
Romans 13:7 ESV
It was the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of 1918 when the world wildly celebrated as an armistice was declared ending what was to be "the war to end all wars" - World War I.
One year later, President Woodrow Wilson made the following proclamation: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
In the years that followed, Americans came together to remember and honor the sacrifices of the men and women who served during the war. Soldiers who survived it marched in parades and were honored by speeches and ceremonies recognizing their contribution to peace throughout the world.
Congress declared Armistice Day a national holiday in 1938. By this time, with unrest spreading through much of the world, Americans realized World War I would not be the last war. Indeed, the Second World War was even bloodier than the first.
After World War II, Raymond Weeks, a WW2 veteran, came up with the idea of expanding Armistice Day to become a celebration of all veterans – an annual National Veterans Day. By an act of Congress, it became law nine years later on May 26, 1954.
Honoring Our Vets
Now here we are. November 11, 2020. Veterans Day. And as is right, we once again pause to acknowledge the sacrifice and offer our gratitude to all who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Today we give honor to whom it’s due – to all military veterans.
The official ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A color guard representing all the branches of the military will execute "Present Arms" at the tomb, a Presidential wreath will be placed on the tomb, and a bugler will play "Taps."
At 11:00 this morning, Americans are encouraged to observe a moment of silence to remember those who fought for freedom. I would encourage you to take it a step farther.
Take time to pause and pray for our veterans and their families. Many of them have been heavily traumatized by war. Ask God to heal their memories. Others of them were terribly wounded. Ask God to strengthen their bodies.
Finally, ask God to draw these men and women to Himself, the One who can give them ultimate peace.
Pray for our veterans and their families. Many have been traumatized by war. Ask God to heal their memories. Others were terribly wounded. Ask God to strengthen their bodies. And ask God to draw them to the One who can give them ultimate peace.
And if you are a veteran, wherever you served, whatever position you held, know that you are highly esteemed and greatly valued. Thank you!
To our veterans - wherever you served, whatever position you held, know that you are highly esteemed and greatly valued. Thank you!
PRAYER
I ask, Lord, that You will show Yourself strong on behalf of these who have sacrificed so greatly. And hasten the day when all wars will end as the Prince of Peace sits on the throne.
Devotionals for Every Day Disciples is brought to you by our partners.
To support Dave DeSelm Ministries by becoming a partner, CLICK HERE.