November 11, 2025

Honoring our Veterans

Today is Veterans Day, a significant holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring military veterans who have served in our Armed Forces. Observed annually on November 11, this day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have donned the uniform to protect the freedoms and rights that U.S. citizens enjoy today.

The origins of Veterans Day date back to the aftermath of World War I. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was established to commemorate the end of hostilities on the Western Front, which occurred on November 11, 1918. The day was first observed as a federal holiday in 1938, intended to honor the veterans of World War I. However, after World War II and the Korean War, there was a growing recognition that the day should commemorate all American veterans, not just those who fought in World War I.

Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, another federal holiday that honors those who died while serving in the military. While Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and pays tribute to fallen soldiers, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans who have served in the military, both living and deceased. It is a day for reflection, gratitude, and recognition of the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families.

The observance of Veterans Day includes various ceremonies and events nationwide. Many communities hold parades to honor and celebrate veterans for their service. Schools often participate in educational programs that help students understand the importance of the day and the contributions of veterans. In addition to local events, the National Veterans Day Observance is held at Arlington National Cemetery, where a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This solemn event underscores the nation’s commitment to honor those who have served, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Veterans Day each year, we must remember the importance of honoring those who have served in our military. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made for the freedoms we often take for granted. Each story of service is unique, yet collectively, they contribute to our history and identity. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of veterans, we acknowledge the complexities of their experiences and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them as they transition to civilian life.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the challenges that veterans face upon returning home. Many veterans struggle with issues such as PTSD, unemployment, and reintegration into civilian life. Veterans Day serves as a reminder to the entire nation of the cost of freedom. It is a day to reflect on the values of courage, duty, and sacrifice that veterans embody. Citizens are encouraged to express their gratitude, whether by attending local events, volunteering for veteran organizations, or simply taking a moment to thank a veteran for their service. We ask you to do this - express your thanks to a veteran today.

Jennifer Ostan, a family friend and wife of a wounded warrior, shared the following in a previous Give Him 15 Veterans Day Post (Link):

“To our veterans: You took a sacred oath to defend this great nation – today, we honor that single act of courage that shaped your life forever. Thank you, dear sir or ma’am, for answering a call that few have chosen, and for being willing to lay down your life for your fellow Americans. Whether you’ve come out on the other side of your service “healthy,” “wounded,” or “somewhere in between,” we know you’ve paid a price – and that does not go unnoticed. 

“We say to you today that we value your service, we honor your selflessness, and we salute you for your sacrifice. As President Truman so aptly stated:

‘Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.’(1)

“We echo those words as we renew our national promise – you have our undying gratitude, and we will not forget your sacrifices! 

“Now, to those of you who have not served in our military, today is about the veterans, but it is also about how you can communicate your gratitude and convey value for their sacrifice. In preparation for this post, I asked several veterans to share examples of how they feel honored. Here are their answers:

• I don’t need much, a simple thank you and a smile goes a long, long way.

•  It’s the little things that make me feel proud – a handshake on the street, a stranger buying my coffee, or a text from a friend.

• I love seeing the hometown parades and people coming together to cheer us on! It’s a stark contrast from the days of the Vietnam War.

• It means so much when children come up and shake my hand – I love it when they ask me about my service. I hope they continue to teach this kind of honor to the kids. 

“Clearly, your simple act of acknowledging veterans’ service as valuable goes a long way in making them feel honored. The next step is being intentional to teach children and grandchildren to do the same – this way our national promise can remain unbroken.”

In conclusion, Veterans Day is more than just a holiday; it is an opportunity for all Americans to come together in gratitude and respect for the men and women who have served in the military. It reminds us of their sacrifice and service, urging us to ensure that veterans receive the recognition, support, and care they deserve. As we honor their legacy, we ensure a brighter future for those who have bravely defended our nation.

Today, as we now enter a new season where honor and patriotism are being restored, we sincerely recognize and esteem our beloved veterans, and say THANK YOU. Thank you for your sacrifice and the sacrifices made by your families. God bless you, God Bless America.

Pray with me:

Father, we are very grateful for the freedoms and liberty we enjoy in our nation. We are so very blessed to possess these liberties, the opportunities they afford, and the incredibly abundant resources we enjoy in America. 

On this Veterans Day, we take time to pray for those who have sacrificed to procure and protect these blessings. We pray especially for those who have lost family members fighting for us and others. Please give them comfort, strength, and provision. Motivate all of us Americans to do a better job of caring for them. 

We also pray for those who have been wounded and are still suffering. Comfort them as they cope with physical, mental, and emotional trauma; for some, it is significant. We ask this, as well, for their family members, who also suffer stress and pain from these wounds. We ask that, as a nation, You would further awaken our citizens to the needs and challenges these veterans face. Remind us of the price they have paid, and give us hearts to love and serve our soldiers and their families, just as they have served us. 

And lastly, we ask You for a sweeping revival in our military and their families. It will bring immeasurable comfort and healing to thousands when they come into a meaningful relationship with You. Pour out Your Spirit on them! Heal bodies, minds, and hearts. 

And we ask all of this in Christ’s holy name. Amen. 

Our decree:

Today, we declare the blessing, strength, and comfort of the Lord to our veterans and their families. 

Major (Ret.) Will Ostan and his wife, Jennifer, host the Arc of Justice USA website (arcofjusticeusa.org), where you can learn how to help our veterans. You can also learn more about Major Ostan and read his personal story at: willostan.com

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

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1. Lipinski, Dan. “Top 25 Dan Lipinski Quotes (2022 Update).” Quotefancy, https://quotefancy.com/dan-lipinski-quotes. Accessed 9 November 2022.