Occasionally I receive emails from Keith Morgan, a retired Army colonel and director of NCR Military Ministry Alliance. His recent message encouraged churches to express gratitude for our veterans’ “courage in protecting our country’s values,” and he suggested the following tangible ways of saying “thank you”:
1. Donate to veteran-focused charities.
2. Fly the American flag at your home or workplace.
3. Ask a veteran about their military service and thank them.
4. Write a letter to say “thank you, veterans”
5. Seek out the VA Hospital visitation policy and pay veterans a visit.
6. Acknowledge veterans during your worship service. (We’ll do so on Sunday!)
I would add that as we thank our veterans, let’s be sure to include their families in that grateful embrace.
Tomorrow, of course, is the day we remember, honor, and give thanks for our military veterans. Our Book of Common Prayer offers these words:
O Judge of the nations, we thank you with grateful hearts for the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Each year I’m reminded how the sacrificial acts of our military women and men point us toward the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. “Greater love has no one than this,” says Jesus, “that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). You and I are those friends for whom Jesus laid down his life.
Your Pastor in Christ,
