I was blessed this morning after a friend of mine, a former fellow Coastie, texted me a Happy Veteran’s Day greeting. With that in mind I want to say Happy Veteran’s Day to all of you veterans of our various branches of the military. Thank you for your service however large or small.
Did you know there are 17.4 million living veterans in the United States? Veteran’s Day was first celebrated on November 11th in 1947 shortly after World War II was over. It was known as Armistice Day then. It has sometimes been confused with Memorial Day in May where we remember those who have fallen in war. But that changed as time went on and Vet’s day became more well known. As I was growing up in the 50’s I really don’t remember anything about the celebration but we should celebrate today in a spirit of thankfulness.
Hal and Jeannie Roberts and Blaine Highfield being surprised as we honored them on Veteran’s Day service at Discovery some years ago. Hal just happened to wear his uniform not knowing we were going to surprise him. Hal parachuted into France on D Day and was pinned down by machine gun fire for a week to start with. Blaine flew a fighter plane providing cover for those dropping in and returned to his base with dozens of bullet enemy holes in his plane that day but none near his cockpit PTL. Both men were in our church but neither had met until we surprised them that Sunday. Both of these vets are now with the Lord.
You who are veterans in Gig Harbor will find local restaurants are offering a free meal today such as Applebees etc.. There are free car washes, specials at Home Depo and so on too. Check them out on your phone or computer. Thankyou, vets.
Pastor Mark (A Vet Redeployed)