The holiday that hurts

[RevG]

Remember also, on the 11th day of November, the veteran soldier-saints of antiquity, especially Martin of Tours.

In the Orthodox Church we remember these soldier-saints at every Orthros:  George the trophy-bearer, Demetrios the mhyrr-streaming, Theodore the recruit and Theodore the General.   And at the most solemn point of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for "the President of the United States and all civil authorities, and for our Armed Forces everywhere [and their families]....may the Lord our God remember them in His Heavenly Kingdom, now and ever and unto ages of ages."

I feel it important to mention that after a long stint in the military St Martin of Tours stated, "I am a soldier of Christ, I cannot fight." Because of his Christian convictions he refused to shed blood on the battlefield and was deemed a coward and was jailed.  He was willing to go to the frontline of the battle unarmed but peace came and he was released from military service. 

In Christ,
Scott+

[Daniel L. Gard]

Thank you to all who have served our nation and put your lives on the line for freedom.

May we also remember the unsung heroes who did not wear a uniform but waited and prayed at home - the families of our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn06ruxh2pA

Well stated, Admiral Gard.

And may God save us from aging hippies who cannot comprehend what this thread is about.

As my father who walked away from Ishimi Ridge in the Battle of Okinawa often said, "The real heroes are those who didn't come home." May those who made the ultimate sacrifice rest safely in His arms.

http://alpb.org/Forum/index.php?topic=5237.msg320488#msg320488

Thank you for sharing this memory of your father.  You bring to mind a very loving memory of my dad.  He wrote a short paragraph on WWII in response to an invitation from PBS to WWII veterans.  My dad wrote about coming onshore in Saipan and witnessing so many men dying around him.  He wanted their families to know that they were the real heroes.  These veterans gave such selfless service and many the ultimate sacrifice.

Your father served in a battle that is remembered to this day. I had the privilege of serving on USS Saipan (LHA-2) during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. She was decommissioned in 2007. There was another USS Saipan - CVL-48, decommissioned in 1970. Will there be a third? If so, may God protect all who sail on her!

[Daniel L. Gard]

Those who post in criticism of others who serve as warriors or in criticism of our nation's commitment to the defense of freedom make me smile. This is what those elite few who have worn the uniform and their families have sacrificed so much to preserve - our precious freedom of speech. Keep exercising it! It means that what my shipmates have done was not done in vain.

[Terry W Culler]

I am a veteran and I served two tours in Viet Nam.  It was a waste of effort, money and 50,000 American lives, not counting dead Australians, Koreans and Vietnamese.  I can't forget how our country went to war with little thought and fought with no realizable goal.  People say thank you for your service, and I suppose that's nice, but I can't help but say that my experience and those of thousands of others did nothing for the safety of the United States or the protection of its freedoms.  Our nation has taken upon itself the role of policeman of the world and not only is that not sustainable, it is arrogant and counterproductive--just look at how well things are turning out in Iraq.

We all serve a King who taught us to turn the other cheek and walk the extra mile.  If anyone really wants to honor veterans, please teach America to do what the Lord says, so we will have no more dead boys in far away places for ill defined reasons and the glorification of some idolatrous version of patriotism.

[Team Hesse]

Talk is cheap!  If our nation were serious about honoring those who serve in the military, we would commit to the principles of just war.  Too often we have failed them by failing in that commitment.  Too often, the church has been silent or, worse, complicit, when the nation has gone to war for unjust reasons.

Veterans day is also a day to remember those who have been wounded and scarred in service to our fallen "best efforts" in seeking justice and peace in the world. When such pain is clearly evident as it is in this response, it is best to remember the only true consolation  of the nations and peoples comes through the work of Jesus taking away sin forever to be remembered no more. "The only solution to the absolute is the absolution". Sins are forgiven for Jesus sake, John.... this means you! Let go of the pain that vexes you. It must not dominate your life. Jesus is Lord, not your pain.


Lou

[Team Hesse]

I am a veteran and I served two tours in Viet Nam.  It was a waste of effort, money and 50,000 American lives, not counting dead Australians, Koreans and Vietnamese.  I can't forget how our country went to war with little thought and fought with no realizable goal.  People say thank you for your service, and I suppose that's nice, but I can't help but say that my experience and those of thousands of others did nothing for the safety of the United States or the protection of its freedoms.  Our nation has taken upon itself the role of policeman of the world and not only is that not sustainable, it is arrogant and counterproductive--just look at how well things are turning out in Iraq.

We all serve a King who taught us to turn the other cheek and walk the extra mile.  If anyone really wants to honor veterans, please teach America to do what the Lord says, so we will have no more dead boys in far away places for ill defined reasons and the glorification of some idolatrous version of patriotism.

Fair and truly stated Pastor Culler. I, too, reckon we have overdone our role as "Blessed to be a blessing" in the world....but by the same token the world was ill-served by our xenophobic isolationism between the wars. Like it or not we came out of WWII the pre-eminent power in the world economically, militarily, and politically; a role which had belonged to the British Empire from at least 1815 on until it became ours. Have we done as well as the British did in their time of preeminence? It is really difficult to say because the challenges and context is so different. But we are finally vexed by the question of the leadership thrust upon us, "who would you rather see as "cop" in the world?" There has always been a nation in that role--we may wish it were not so, but it is what it is.


Lou

[peterm]

My father served in the Navy for 26+ years, most of that as a reserve dentist.  He was not active in Viet Nam, but was called to active duty during Desert Storm.  Each year on Veterans Day for the past 5 years my kids have invited him to their school to have lunch and attend the program there.  He has told me more than once how meaningful that is for him.

I cannot serve, due to a physical disability but I appreciate those answer that call and add my thanks, for what its worth.  May God hasten the day when such service is not necessary.

[Donald_Kirchner]

Remember also, on the 11th day of November, the veteran soldier-saints of antiquity, especially Martin of Tours.

In the Orthodox Church we remember these soldier-saints at every Orthros:  George the trophy-bearer, Demetrios the mhyrr-streaming, Theodore the recruit and Theodore the General.   And at the most solemn point of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for "the President of the United States and all civil authorities, and for our Armed Forces everywhere [and their families]....may the Lord our God remember them in His Heavenly Kingdom, now and ever and unto ages of ages."

I feel it important to mention that after a long stint in the military St Martin of Tours stated, "I am a soldier of Christ, I cannot fight." Because of his Christian convictions he refused to shed blood on the battlefield and was deemed a coward and was jailed.  He was willing to go to the frontline of the battle unarmed but peace came and he was released from military service. 

In Christ,
Scott+

You "feel" it's important to a thread on Veteran's Day and honoring those who served...why?

[LutherMan]

God Bless all our Vets and Military families...

[LutherMan]

Written by Rev. Paul C. Ziemer, National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, Armed Forces Liaison of WELS

I was under the understanding that WELS opposes chaplains...

[John_Hannah]

Right, Craig. Notice that he is described as a civilian chaplain.

Peace, JOHN

[LutherMan]

Right, Craig. Notice that he is described as a civilian chaplain.

Peace, JOHN

Whatever that means...

[Charles Austin]

They also serve who choose not to fight. But we have no day to honor their commitment and sacrifice.

[Dave Likeness]

As the son of a WWII veteran, I have much appreciation for
the risk the military takes in battle.  My father served under
General George Patton in the Tank Corps and was honored
to serve his country.   

My father was the son of two Norwegians who came to America
and had 6 children.  My grandfather was a baker and my grandmother
was a housewife.  They instilled in their family an attitude of gratitude
for being able to live in America.

Veterans Day is about the military men and women who served their
country out of loyalty.  May we never forget the sacrifices they made
to keep us safe.

[Steverem]

They also serve who choose not to fight. But we have no day to honor their commitment and sacrifice.

Genuinely curious - of what "sacrifice" do you refer?  If they served in military non-combatant roles, then Veterans' Day is such a day.  If not, then I'm not sure what kind of holiday you're envisioning.  I mean, I pay my taxes, vote, salute the flag - but I'm not going to put that "sacrifice" on a par with those who put themselves in harm's way on my behalf, and I'm certainly not going to lobby for a holiday just so I can feel appreciated.

Tell you what, Charles - why don't you suggest such a holiday, and we'll run it up the flagpole and see who salutes, so to speak.