Veterans Day was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of the First World War on that date a year earlier. For years, the holiday was known as Armistice Day, then renamed “Veterans Day” in 1954 to celebrate veterans from the Second World War and the Korean War. Today, the annual holiday honors America’s veterans “for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For most Americans, Veterans Day is one of the “lesser” holidays that primarily means a day off work and a long weekend. Compared to Independence Day and Thanksgiving, this civic remembrance can seem as lost in the shuffle. Of the two “military” holidays in our nation’s calendar, Memorial Day tends to stir the heart more, as it recognizes those who sacrificed their lives for the defense of our country. As an Army veteran, I see a few reasons why we should lift our veterans in prayer as we celebrate Veterans Day this year.

First, Veterans Day celebrates the end of war. It is a source of great joy and relief when a major armed conflict comes to an end, as World War I did on November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). When a nation’s wars are successfully concluded, it is fitting for the people to express thanks to the veterans who made the extraordinary sacrifice of military service. 

As U.S. citizens, we can use our Veterans Day prayers as an opportunity to thank God that our land has not experienced the destructive effects of battle on our own soil for almost 160 years, a record few nations have enjoyed. Moreover, while not all of our recent conflicts have had successful conclusions, it is true that the United States continues to be well-defended and free from imminent danger of conquest. For this blessing, we might render to the Lord the thanks expressed in Psalm 145:8-9: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding steadfast love.”

Second, Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank those who presently sacrifice to protect our nation from the perils of an evil world. To be a soldier, airman, or sailor is to sacrifice tremendous personal freedom so that others may live at ease. Particularly during times of armed conflict, their families endure strain and separation almost totally foreign to civilians.

Once during the Iraq War I was invited to speak at the Army’s Fort Bragg. Over the weekend, I shared a meal with a family in which the husband and father had spent large portions of the previous three years deployed to the war zone, missing priceless months of his small children’s lives and calling for his wife to bear extraordinary burdens. I felt ashamed that so few Americans, even Christians, support such veterans and their families and express so little thanks to them for the trials they endure for our safety.  

Veterans Days serves as an impetus to remember our military community and resolve that we who benefit from their sacrifices will not forget them in our prayers. We can live out this commitment in practical ways, like preparing a meal for a military family in our church or community, or sending a note of thanks, with assurances that they will receive our special prayers.

Third, Veterans Day is a time to pray for the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ and for his soon return to this world in glory. Our world today is very far from peace, just as our Lord foretold would occur throughout this present age: “you will hear of wars and rumors of war” (Matthew 24:6). The division and hatred within our own nation threatens violence in the streets, just as hatred in the world today brings bloodshed, armed conflict, and countless tears.  

As Christians, we know that Jesus Christ is the only hope of a true and lasting peace among mankind (Ephesians 2:14). God sent his Son and promised, “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7). Yet, Jesus remains unknown and untrusted throughout the world. As Christians, we know that the true aims expressed through Veterans Day, an end to war and praise to victorious defenders, can only be achieved where Jesus reigns through faith and praise.  

When the first Veterans Day was commemorated in 1919, the Western nations vainly heralded an end to war, just as the victors of the Second World War wrongly anticipated a lasting peace. The reality since those days of victory has been far different: our world today is, if anything, more dangerous, divided, and violent than ever.  

We praise God for the relative peace our nation has enjoyed, in large part due to the extraordinary sacrifices of veterans past and present. Thank the Lord for our veterans!  But the aim of all true military service – namely, a lasting and secure peace – cannot be secured without Christ reigning with grace and love. Only Jesus has the power to turn swords into plowshares in a world without hatred and woe.  

While thanking God for our nation’s veterans and reaching out to our current veterans with thanks and support, let us pray that Jesus may be known in the power of God’s grace. And let us pray that Jesus soon will return to this earth, consummating his great victory over sin and granting peace on earth at last.  

While we wait, we pray. This Veterans Day, let us pray for God’s special blessing on all the men and women in the Armed Forces, through whose sacrificial labors protect us and preserve our liberties.

Richard D. Phillips is senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC.  A third-generation soldier, he served for 13 years in the United States Army.