Today marks Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day when Germany signed an armistice with the Allies on November 11, 1918 ending the “Great War.” Which was thought to be the war to end all wars. We know now that certainly wasn’t the case. Our soldiers, sailors and Marines have been called on time and time again to foreign soil to fight tyranny and advance freedom.
General Douglas MacArthur in his farewell speech to the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY in May, 1962. He gave tribute to the ideals that inspire the American soldier.
Duty – Honor – Country.
The code which those words perpetuate embraces the highest moral laws and will stand the test of any ethics or philosophies ever promulgated for the uplift of mankind. Its requirements are for things that are right, and its restraints are for the things that are wrong. The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training – sacrifice. In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker gave when He created man in His own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the place of the Divine help which alone can sustain him. However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind.
Thank you to all of the soldiers, sailors and Marines who have served honorably and courageously in defense of our nation. Thank you for the sacrifice of time spent away from families and friends. And we are thankful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It is a debt that we can never repay.
Take time to remember our veterans who have sacrificed much, and thank those men and women in uniform who currently serve. Also, let’s remember to continue to pray for them and their families while they are abroad and at home.
