Veterans Day Prayer, 2007

Recently the commander of the United States forces in Iraq was vilified in the New York Times as someone who betrayed his country. Although we may disagree as to how the current conflicts in which we are engaged should be fought, although we may disagree as to when and how military forces should be deployed, we are united in our support of our men and women in the military. They know—as they have always known—that they fight in service to the country. They lay down their lives—as they have always laid down their lives—believing in death before dishonor. They will—as they always have—lay down their lives rather than betray their country.

When the God sent the Jews into the promised land he told them: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut 31:6) God will not betray, will not forsake, those who died trusting in him. We should do no less.

Lord, you say, "Greater love has no man than this: to lay down his life for another" (John 15:13). This is the pattern that you have given us, as you came to earth as a man we called Jesus, and you showed your love for us in this: that while we wanted nothing to do with you, you did not leave us or forsake us. Rather, you came and died for us. This is the pattern that the men and women we honor here today followed. Like you, they were willing to lay down their lives for another. They have died to free slaves. They have died to liberate countries. They are risking life today for a foreign nation that seems to resist liberation.

They have died rather than forsake their sacred trust. These brave men and women had no other choice. They chose to overcome evil with good. We choose life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; but they have chosen to lay down life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the sake of countrymen they do not even know and a foreign enemy that would kill them.

Lord, in light of their example, and out of respect for their sacrifice, help us to live likewise. Help us to remember our veterans today and in the days to come. Help us to serve, support, and encourage our brothers and sisters in the military ... that good might prevail and evil fail.

To our men and women currently serving, we pray:

Deliver them from their enemies, O God; protect them from those who rise up against them. Deliver them from evildoers and save them from bloodthirsty men ... We watch for you; for you, O God, are their fortress. (Psalm 59)

To our departed brothers and sisters, we pray:

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

Amen.