Give Thanks for Veterans – The Presidential Prayer Team

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:20

Veterans Day is designated to honor all of those who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, for their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. Separate from Memorial Day, which remembers fallen veterans, this is a time for a grateful nation to express their appreciation to those who have served their country, oftentimes with their lives on the line.

It was originally named Armistice Day in remembrance of the treaty that ended the First World War, November 11, 1918, and observed on the one-year anniversary. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day and expanded to include all wars. Now, November 9^th-15^th is designated as Veterans Awareness Week, set aside for educational programs regarding the important contributions of veterans.

Veterans Day is observed with parades, poppies, and special events. Wearing poppies to honor veterans was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The bright red poppies contrasted with the bleak devastation of World War I. Veterans Day is a time for reflection on what it takes to protect this nation and its freedoms.

Take the opportunity to thank the servicemen and women that you know. Intercede for their safety, salvation, and families. Ask the Lord to meet the needs of veterans. Pray that the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution will remain intact, placing your trust in God as your ultimate Protector. Thank Him for the many blessings He has given to this nation, including veterans.

Today’s Verse: Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, ²and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. ³Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. ⁵An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. ⁷Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.