Courtney here! I’d love to introduce the topic and our guest writer today! It started with a question from Ella after her class was discussing Veterans Day.
“Mom, do we have anyone in the Armed Forces in our family?”
And I was frozen.
“Well, Ella… yes. I think. Let’s call Meese and Grammy.”
So we did. And we learned that Pop’s dad was a navy pilot. His stepdad, Grand-doc was in the army. Meese’s daddy enlisted at 16 and was training to fly in the belly of the planes when the war ended. And HIS dad fought in the Mexican American war on horseback. And we have his sword! So cool!
I was so embarrassed I didn’t know all of that incredible history by heart. What brave, incredible men in our own family. This question got me thinking about Veterans Day coming up this Tuesday. Do my kids realize why this holiday exists? Do I even know the difference between the day vs Memorial Day? Is there something small our family could do to honor these incredible men and women?
So, I called my dear friend Cara from high school. She has served our country faithfully in the Navy. She is a dedicated wife and mom of two. And she is a beautiful writer. She wrote this in minutes flat. Enjoy!!
How Our Families Can Honor Veterans
by Cara Dury
On November 11, the United States celebrates Veterans Day. This is a day to honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The branches of the Armed Forces are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
(*Note: not all service members are soldiers. Veterans proudly carry their respective titles: Solider, Sailor, Airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman.)
A little history lesson!
Veterans Day was originally established as Armistice Day in 1919 to celebrate the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution “calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in school and churches, or other suitable places” and declaring “that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.”
What can we do this year to honor our Veterans?
Let’s take our lead right from the Congress.
Thanksgiving
- Send a note of thanks to a veteran you know.
- Contact a local veterans’ home to arrange for a visit or to deliver cards and treats
- Send a holiday card to a veteran through your local Red Cross chapter
Perpetuate peace and good will
- Identify a service opportunity to complete this year in support of veterans – Wounded Warrior Project or Veterans Administration
- Reach out to homeless veterans. Homelessness affects many veterans.
- Serve a family you know that includes an active duty member or a veteran.
- Attend a local parade or celebration – many schools and churches host assemblies or performance.
- Attend a ceremony at a Veterans Cemetery
Prayer
- Pray for those in theaters of war or deployed from home to experience God’s presence, peace and protection.
- Pray for those who have been wounded in body, soul or mind to experience God’s healing.
- Pray for all veterans to know God’s love for 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.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Awareness
- Discuss this day in your home with your children
- Call your family members and ask for the story of your loved ones who served
- Research the branches of the Armed Forces and learn more about their respective roles
Other significant items to note:
Memorial Day (last Monday of May) honors those who died serving their country, particularly those who died during battle or from wounds sustained during battle.
Independence Day (July 4th) recognizes the establishment of a new nation when the 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.
Books To Consider:
Cara Dury is a woman with many hats. Well, a few actual hats and many metaphorical ones. She is a wife to John, mom to Caroline and John Abraham, small business administrator, homeschooler and volunteer.
Cara’s dream of taking Katie Couric’s job led her to Statesboro, Georgia for a Communications degree, to locations all over the U.S. as a Navy Journalist (’99-’04), and to the frozen tundra of Alaska where she worked as a producer, reporter and anchor at local news outlets. The time in Alaska also led to marriage, motherhood and a career change. Cara and her family now live in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
We would LOVE to honor your Veteran today.
Tell us about him or her below.
Or, tell us how your family honors Veterans.
