Thank you for serving!
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I and became a national holiday in 1938. In 1954 President Eisenhower officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1968 Congress moved the celebration to the fourth Monday in October; but in 1975 President Ford returned Veterans Day back to November 11, due to the important historical significance of the date.
Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who lost their lives as a result of serving, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans – living or dead – who served their country during war or peacetime.
Jesus, you said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Today we pray for those men and women who have, in their military service, sacrificed their time, strength, ambition, health and even their lives on this earth to benefit “friends” known and unknown. We honor our Veterans in your name and we thank them for their sacrifices. We ask that you bless them, provide peace to them and their families and remain with them all the days of their lives. Amen.