At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice brought the fighting of the Great War to a halt. It was called the “war to end all wars” because of its great slaughter and destruction.
While the Treaty of Versailles was not signed until seven months later, November 11 became known as Armistice Day. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed its first commemoration in 1919. In 1954, the observance became Veterans Day, honoring veterans of all wars.
Today, we recognize and celebrate those who have served in the military, both the living and the dead.
Those who have served our nation deserve recognition. They have fought for freedom. Provided security. Kept the peace. Secured liberty. And protected our rights.
In 1921, the United States laid to rest an unidentified American soldier on a Virginia hillside overlooking Washington, D.C., and the Potomac River. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Arlington National Cemetery, bears this inscription: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
At this site, the President of the United States traditionally participates in a special Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony.
The Tomb reminds us of the many who served and remain unknown. Famous generals have found their way into history books. They are American heroes. We name schools, streets, and buildings in their honor. Yet countless lesser-known service members have fought, sacrificed, and served to keep our country safe.
I’m also reminded that brothers and sisters in Christ have answered their country’s call to serve. And while serving our nation, they have also served and honored the Lord. These “Christian soldiers” especially deserve our respect and appreciation.
Honoring their service is consistent with the biblical instruction to give “respect to whom respect” and “honor to whom honor” is due. Both the apostles Peter and Paul addressed our responsibility to honor those in civil government (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17).
On this day of remembrance, the Bible’s military imagery also reminds me of another group deserving our gratitude—veterans of faith.
Christians are called soldiers. We must suffer hardship. Not be entangled by worldly matters. And please our Commander, Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3–4).
Paul called Epaphroditus a “fellow soldier” (Phil. 2:25). Ephesians 6:10–18 identifies the armor of the Christian soldier. We are to be prepared for battle against our archenemy—Satan. But our warfare is not carnal. It is spiritual (2 Cor. 10:4).
This analogy reminds us of those who have steadfastly served in the Lord’s army for many years. Those who have fought the good fight. Kept the faith. Finished the course. And gone on to their heavenly reward (2 Tim. 4:7–8).
We are indebted to the heroes of faith dating back to the apostles who endured persecution. Beatings. Imprisonment. And, in many cases, martyrdom. They received the Word. Spread the gospel. And laid a foundation for future Christians to build upon.
Through succeeding generations, men and women have remained true to the Word. Stood for righteousness. Shared their faith. And left a spiritual legacy for their children and grandchildren.
I am a Christian today because of the influence of those Christian soldiers. My Granny Key was one of those soldiers. Her example helped nurture faith in my mother, my father, me, and our children. Her influence continues as we teach our grandchildren to follow Jesus.
I think of the many veteran preachers through the years who have made a difference in my life. Aude McKee. Robert Jackson. James P. Miller. Raymond Harris. Roy Cogdill. Clinton Hamilton. Homer Hailey. John Clark. Rufus Clifford, Sr. James R. Cope. Edgar Srygley. Harry Payne, Sr. Ed Harrell. Harry Pickup. Paul Earnhart. Bob Owen. Sewell Hall. And Dee Bowman.
In various ways, both directly and indirectly, they have taught, mentored, encouraged, and inspired me and so many others to be faithful soldiers of Christ. I also think of men like Bill Hall, David Tant, and Melvin Curry with appreciation.
These veterans of faith, and so many others, have given us opportunities to worship God. Do His work. And enjoy the blessings of solid, sound, faithful congregations.
And then I think of all the “unknown soldiers” of Christ in little towns across America. Men and women largely unknown beyond their local communities, yet fully known to God. Preachers’ and elders’ wives. Many whose service is largely forgotten.
Yet they stood for truth. Opposed error. Loved the Lord. Let their light shine. Served their church family. Shared their faith. And quietly walked with Jesus with no fanfare or desire for recognition.
And so, on this Veterans Day, let us thank God for those who have served our nation and honor their sacrifices. Let us also remember those veterans of faith who have fought spiritual battles and helped us know the freedom found in Christ.
Honor their faithfulness. Follow their example. And pass the faith on to another generation.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
