Today marks the date each year when our nation stops to remember all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces, whether in times of war or in times of peace. This day of remembrance is tied to the date and time of the armistice that brought an end to the First World War in 1918 on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. On the first anniversary of this moment, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson shared the following in his remarks to the nation:
“Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.
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 nations.”
We can all appreciate in the President’s remarks the emphasis on how it’s the responsibility of the entire nations to invest in peace and justice. This is what motivated the U.S. to join with its allies in the spring of 1917 and what continues to motivate this nation to invest in the instruments of peace.
On this Veterans Day, much of the world is still longing for justice and peace, while there remains forces actively seeking to sow discord. In particular, the war in Ukraine requires continued vigilance by the those who seek peace. Let us give thanks for those among us who have served and those who continue to serve, in order that we might make real the justice and peace God and those whom God loves desire for this world.
May God’s hope embrace you this day. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray…
Almighty and ever-living God, we give you thanks for the men and women who have served and defended our country and the values of freedom and justice we hold so dear. Help us be mindful of the sacrifices they made and the hardship endured by their families and friends, so that we never take for granted the privileges they have secured for us. Hear us, we pray, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
-ELW: Prayer Book for the Armed Forces, p. 66