Unseen Sacrifices: A Reflection on Veterans Day and Service
Holidays | November 6, 2024 | By: Sam Melvin
Veterans Day came to be after the armistice agreement that ended World War I was signed on November 11, 1918. The holiday was first recognized in 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day as Armistice Day, which honored U.S. veterans of World War I. In 1954, the holiday was renamed to Veterans Day to include all U.S. veterans from all wars.
Not to be confused with Memorial Day (when we honor those who have died during military service) or Armed Forces Day (when we honor active, guard and reserve forces who currently serve), Veterans Day is all about celebrating those men and women who have served, and are currently serving, in the U.S. military. Many of us have served or have veterans in our own family who have served our country. There are several in my family who have served or are currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
Whether during times of war or times of peace, our military veterans should be honored. But that hasn’t always been the case. The Korean War (1950-1953), often called “The Forgotten War,” never garnered widespread public support. The public didn’t understand or have interest in the conflict, and Americans were weary with the end of WW2 just a few years earlier. These veterans didn’t receive the same welcome home as WW2 veterans did, even though many made the same sacrifices.
Whether during times of war or times of peace, our military veterans should be honored.
But probably the most significant example is the Vietnam War (1955-1975). While there was initial support from the public, it waned as the war dragged on, fueled by high casualties and a military draft. Consequently, returning veterans were often met with hostility, many of them struggling to reintegrate into a society of people not supporting them or the war they fought on our country’s behalf.
My father was one of those Vietnam veterans. He didn’t talk about it much, nor did he discuss his military experience much after retiring from the military. Just 10 years after segregation in the military was outlawed, Daddy enlisted in the Air Force. Like many other veterans just like him, Daddy struggled to find a place in the ranks that would treat him equal to his white counterparts. But he served his country honorably just as others have done.
It's not uncommon for our service and sacrifices to go unnoticed. We see it often in our walk with Christ. As “veteran” disciples, we are encouraged to work heartily for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23-24). We are to serve others as good stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10). The psalmist tells us to serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2). Gladness? Seriously, Lord? I don’t always feel glad to serve. Sometimes, serving stinks.
We are to serve others as good stewards of God’s grace.
Serving is inconvenient. Serving costs too much. And besides, where’s the recognition or reward? Who’s watching? Why am I not being celebrated? These are all good, meaningful, relevant, and mostly selfish questions I ask God when I’m thinking about myself and my interests. I have to remember to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). I have to remember the words of Jesus, when He said, “the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12). Like our military veterans, we as Christ’s disciples are called to the duty of serving and sacrificing whether or not we see honor or recognition come our way.
Society may not see our service and sacrifice as Christ’s disciples either. But we can take comfort that where Christ is, we as His servants are there with Him, and God honors us as His servants (John 12:26).
As we pause to reflect and thank those who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. military, may we remember that the price they pay often comes without recognition. Be sure to thank a veteran or two for their service, courage, strength, and dedication to their country.
To our military veterans: we honor you and are grateful for your sacrifice!
Sam Melvin
Pastor of Enrichment
This article is part of our Holidays series that features some of the special days commemorated in our nation. Our hope is that these articles offer a chance for us to reflect on God’s Word and put on the mind of Christ as we celebrate these holidays.
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