As Veterans Day approaches, we pause to honor those who have served our country, both past and present. For me, this day holds special meaning. As a veteran who served in the United States Army, I know the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day.
They leave their homes, their families, and their communities, standing ready to defend our freedoms, often without fanfare or recognition.
Here in Osmond, a small farming town that embodies the strength of the American spirit, Veterans Day is a reminder of the incredible contributions made by the citizen-soldier. These are the men and women who balance service with everyday lives, embodying the best of both worlds. Our country is enriched by the Reserve and National Guard members who work and serve in their communities, answering the call to action when needed. These dedicated individuals bring their skills, loyalty, and leadership to both their civilian roles and their roles in uniform, contributing a kind of service that extends beyond military duty.
In many ways, Christian faith and military service share common values.
Both require commitment, selflessness, and a deep love for others. In John 15:13, Jesus tells us, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Our veterans have lived this verse. By stepping forward to serve, they protect not just our lives but also the freedoms we hold dear, from the freedom to worship to the right to speak our minds. These freedoms are a gift, but they’re also a responsibility that each generation must guard, lest we forget their value or take them for granted.
Veterans Day is also a reminder of the sacrifices made by the families who support their loved ones in service. Military life affects not only the soldier but also spouses, children, parents, and friends. For these families, service is a shared calling, one that binds us all together in a common mission to preserve the American way of life.
As Christians, we are called to serve others, to love our neighbors, and to protect the vulnerable. In many ways, our veterans and those currently serving answer this same call. The men and women who protect our freedoms embody the spirit of service that Christ taught us, a willingness to place others above themselves. And, as people of faith, we are called to remember them in our prayers, to thank them for their service, and to honor the legacy of those who gave all.
Today, our freedom is a legacy passed down from one generation to the next, a trust that can’t be taken for granted. Each of us has a role to play in preserving it. We may not all wear the uniform, but we are all called to serve—whether it’s by supporting our military, volunteering in our communities, or simply by living our lives with faith, integrity, and gratitude.
As we gather with family and friends, let us reflect on the blessings of our freedoms and the responsibilities they bring. May we be grateful for those who have served, and may we also be ready to serve in our own ways, upholding the principles of faith and freedom that bind us together as a nation.
