We Salute Our Veterans: Honoring Service and Sacrifice

(Veterans Day Tuesday, 11 November 2025)

John 15:13 (NLT)
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Today, we pause as a nation to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of our country — those who have stood in the gap between freedom and fear, peace and peril.

Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a moment of gratitude for those who willingly placed themselves in harm’s way so that others could live in freedom.

This day is personal for our family, because our daughter and son-in-law both serve in the United States Air Force. Watching them step into a life of service and sacrifice fills us with both pride and humility.

It reminds me that freedom is not abstract — it is protected and preserved by real people with real families, real dreams, and real faith. Their service, and the service of so many others, reflects a deep sense of calling and courage that deserves our deepest respect.

While living in a military community for 26+ years, I have learned so much about our military families. Not only does the active duty member sacrifice, but there are tremendous sacrifices made by military spouses and children. The real support staff or unit are these families. For this reason, I pause to say, "Thank you to all our military families!" 

The heart of a veteran reflects the heart of Christ in many ways. Jesus, the greatest example of sacrificial love, laid down His life so that we might live in freedom from sin. In the same spirit, our veterans — and those currently serving — have laid down years of their lives so that others might live in peace and security.

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
— Philippians 2:3 (NLT)

Service always requires humility. Veterans and active-duty service members embody this humility when they choose duty over comfort, mission over self, and the good of others over personal gain. Their courage reminds us of what it means to live a life of purpose — to serve something bigger than ourselves.

As believers, we are called to a similar kind of service in the Kingdom of God. While our battlefield may not be physical, we are called to fight spiritual battles — standing for truth, extending grace, and showing love in a world that often chooses selfishness over sacrifice.

Lord, thank You for the brave men and women who have served our nation — and for those who continue to serve today. I’m especially grateful for our daughter, son-in-law, and their fellow Airmen who protect our nation with courage and integrity.

Heavenly Father, continues to bless every veteran and active-duty service member with peace, strength, and safety. Comfort their families, and remind us never to take our freedom for granted.

Takeaway

As we salute our veterans and those still serving, let’s remember that true freedom — both earthly and eternal, physical and spiritual — always comes at a cost. Let us live in a way that honors both our heroes in uniform and our Savior on the cross.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”