Next week we pause on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, to remember those who have given themselves to serve the greater good. Veteran’s Day is remembered on this date because of the cessation of fighting before the signing of the Treaty of Versailles to end World War 1. At the time, they called it the “the war to end all wars” not knowing that we would soon head straight into another world war. My family has several people on both sides that have served in the military and deployed into action. I remember stressing over our oldest son in Afganistan and worrying that I didn’t know if he was alive or dead. I would look on Facebook and see if the green dot showed up by his name to indicate that he was online. I knew that he was talking to his wife that way. Just seeing that little green light glow gave me peace that for another day, he was alive. I remember thinking that I didn’t know how the families of the past could stand going months without knowing where their loved ones were at any given time. This willingness to go and serve the greater good is what we honor on Veteran’s Day.
At each door of the sanctuary, at both locations, we will have a basket of poppy pins for our Veterans. We offer these small tokens as reminders of those brave souls that have been willing to step into a role that most of us have never considered. We recognize the sacrifice of time and talent that it takes to serve and celebrate those who have survived it. We honor the families that stand with their military personnel and the sacrifice that they make. Sometimes those that have served have been left with physical, psychological and moral scars from their time in service and we recognize the difficulties in transitioning back to civilian life that can sometimes happen. We give thanks for those who answer this higher calling. Let us remember and give thanks to those who have served.
I love you and God loves you,
