An Inkling
The Post Office may not be carrying mail on Veterans Day (November 11), but our E-News is still flying! Still, it’s well not to treat Veterans Day like just any ol’ day. We want to honor our veterans!
Veterans Day began 90 years ago today. On the previous November 11th (1918), an Armistice was signed that ended the hideous slaughter of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson designated the next November 11th as Armistice Day, a day set aside to honor those who had served in the war.
In fact, Wilson and others had hoped that these veterans had fought the last big war, the “war to end all wars.” It was certainly horrid enough to make everyone shudder at the thought of another. But another came, one even more ghastly – World War II. This time no one was so glib as to call it as the “war to end all wars.” And sure enough, the Korean War soon followed, and then Vietnam and several others, leading up to our ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even if smaller, every one of these wars is horrid. To recognize the ever-growing roll of veterans, in 1954 our nation changed the holiday’s name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Across the centuries Christians have dealt with wars in many ways. Sadly, some have acted as if our faith had nothing to do with it. But gratefully most have recognized war’s evils, and have tried to respond accordingly. Some have refused to participate at all – pacifists. Thankfully our nation has allowed for conscientious objectors. That, as much as the strength of our nation, makes me proud to be an American.
But many more Christians have participated in the Armed Forces, seeing some wars as unavoidable – the lesser of evils in a broken world. Such Christians have sought to corral war’s chaos with “Just War” principles, and to some measure they have succeeded. In the process they have secured our freedoms as a nation.
We as Christians can join with all Americans in celebrating the sacrifices of those who have served to preserve our freedoms. As they say, “freedom is not free,” and thousands have paid with life or limb. That is a huge gift, for which we must thank both God and the veterans. We especially celebrate the service of our St. Giles veterans. If you’re a Vet, check out their monthly meeting - http://www.stgiles.org/veteransgroup.cfm.
There will never be a war to end all wars, but there is a Savior who will end all wars. Until he does, we serve him by doing all that we can to foster peace – prayer, bridge building, negotiations, and yes, service in the armed forces. The challenges of both peace and war give urgency to our prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus!” It can’t be too soon.
Thanks Vets!
Keith
