Greater
love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John
15:13
Today is Veteran’s Day and we
thankfully recognize all those who have fought for the freedom we enjoy. Merriam Webster defines patriot as “one who loves his or her country and
supports its authority and interests.” Note the first key phrase: “One who loves…” Patriotism is an
expression of LOVE. Love calls us to
sacrifice, and who has sacrificed more than the American Soldier?
An unsung hero is one whose
generous acts of compassion, strength, selflessness, perseverance and even
sacrifice make a profound and positive difference on the course of history for
others without recognition or reward. Today Veterans do not receive the
gratitude they deserve.
Unfortunately it seems like we
are placing less and less value on the people who have fought and put their
lives on the lines for the freedoms that we take for granted. Now people are forgetting that these
privileges were costly and paid for with someone’s blood. Many of the younger generation believe they
deserve and are entitled to whatever they want, and they shouldn’t have to work
for it at all.
Hundreds of thousands of
America's brave men and women have died during America's wars:
- In
Saratoga and Yorktown
- In
Flanders Field and Gettysburg
- In
Normandy and Pearl Harbor
- In
Korea and Vietnam
- In
Iraq and Afghanistan
Some are buried in Arlington
Cemetery and others bones are in graves around the world. The silent graves of
more than a half-million Americans are eloquent testimony that everything costs
and freedom costs most of all.
Our First Responders stand today
between us and the dangers of our society protecting and serving in communities
across America. They are ready to
sacrifice even their lives for the safety and security of others. We see them
on the roadsides and hear the wail of the sirens knowing that they are
answering the calls of those in need. Every day these individuals leave their
homes and families knowing they may not return.
Who Veterans Are:
What Were the Characteristics of
These Who Bought and Protected Our Inheritance?
- Strong
Sense of Personal Responsibility
- Gratitude
for Benefits
- Low
Sense of Entitlement
- Sense
of Social Responsibility - Loved Their Neighbors
- Patriotic
- Loved their Country
- Spiritual
- Loved their God
- Family
Centered - Loved their Families
- Respectful
of Authority
Veterans are not just important
for what they have done but who they have become because of it. These
characteristics are what we all need to strive for in our own personal
lives. Veterans are examples of
strength, morality, loyalty, love and much more. To show true honor is to be willfully and emotionally
grateful and individually humbled by their act, gift or person. Thank a Veteran
today!
May we stop abusing the liberty
we have received by selfish indulgence on pleasures that weaken the moral
strength of this great nation.
Scripture to Claim:Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:7
