Remember the days of old; consider the
years long past. Deuteronomy 32:7a
Today is Veterans Day, the day we honor and remember all
those who have fought in battles and wars for our freedom.
Many of you were not even born when these men and women were
fighting for your freedom. They were
making sacrifices and laying their lives on the line. They were sacrificing their families, their
personal agendas and even their sanity.
They fought, staring fear right in the face. You did not know. You were not aware of the sacrifices made
just so you can enjoy the freedoms you have.
You were not aware, but neither were they aware. They didn’t know you either. They didn’t know the people they were fighting
for because it didn’t matter to them.
They were fighting for freedom and liberty for all Americans.
As a nation, we are so spoiled. Too many take the liberty and freedom that we
have for granted. Kids today don’t even
really think about how life would be without all they have. They have never had to live that way thanks
to many of our veterans. They expect to
have what they have – entitlement. Many
are not thankful and they have not thought one time about someone having to go
to war so they can go to their soccer practice, concert or Wednesday night
youth meeting. It is out of their realm
of thought because nothing like that has ever happened in their lifetime, so it
is understandable that they wouldn’t think about it. They have not lost fathers and brothers to
the devastation of war. They have not
had to ration food due to the hardship in the land because of war. They have lived well.
So we have the extreme of two generations here: a generation
with patriotism running through their veins, and another generation that
probably doesn’t even think about it.
The one sacrificed for the other, yet the other does not realize the
gift.
Teach your children about the sacrifices made for them this
Veteran’s Day. My children are not out
of school today. They go to a public
school that has a Veteran’s Day assembly where local Veterans are recognized
and honored. I am glad and I feel
fortunate that my children’s school district acknowledges this very special day
with more than just a student holiday. I
hope these men and women make an impact on the children that helps them
understand how grateful they should be.
Unfortunately until our children experience the coldness and
desolation of a close-to-home war, they may not realize how much they have and what
a sacrifice was made so they could live freely.
There has been the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, but for many, this has
been like a documentary on TV. They
don’t pay attention if it does not touch them in some way.
This veteran’s day may we all remember what we have been
given and the sacrifices made for our freedom and liberty. Thank those veteran’s in your life and let
them know that you value the sacrifices they made. Introduce your child to a veteran and let
them tell him thanks. It may make both
of their days.
Scripture to Claim:
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake
me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are
to come. Psalms 71:18
