Precious Rewards

Introduction

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1, 2).

Veterans Day is to thank and recognize all those who served honorably in the military, both living and dead, whether in wartime or peace. It is to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security is appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served have sacrificed and done their duty. For further information check the website https://department.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-Veterans-Day-Teachers-Guide-508.pdf

Program Ideas

We can honor the Veterans in our community by organizing a program at The Salvation Army Corps.

• It can be a breakfast, luncheon or an evening dinner. When doing this, you may want to have a gift to recognize and acknowledge the veteran’s service.
• Invite a guest speaker from a military base or a local VA to speak on behalf of all the veterans.
• If there is a VA Hospital in your community, become part of their volunteer program. Look into asking someone to serve as a representative for The Salvation Army on a committee at the hospital.
• The Salvation Army Community Care Ministry can also help in this venue and honor veterans with any event that is planned by the VA Hospital.
• Ask at the local VA Hospital about women who have served in the military. Invite them to come to a meeting and share their experiences.
• Visit the VAVS Hospital in town and recognize women veterans. Inquire about ways that the women’s ministries group could recognize or serve them.
• Invite someone who suffers from PTSD because of their military service share with the women how it has affected them. There may also be a spouse or relative who has seen the devastating results of PTSD and how it impacted their family.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed into Law the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowing women to serve as regular members of the Military. For information check the VA official website and search on the various elements mentioned in this program.

Each year, the Veterans Day National Committee publishes a commemorative Veterans Day poster. The poster is selected from artwork submitted by artists nationwide and is distributed to VA facilities across the country and to military installations around the world. It is also used as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2023 the poster was designed by Mr. Gene Russell, a photographer at the VA headquarters in Washington D.C. This contest is open to all individuals.

Men and women who have served in the military give up all for the sake of our country and to protect our freedom. Some pay the ultimate price by giving their life on the battlefield. For others, although they return home, they will never forget their fellow soldiers who were lost on the battlefields. Many suffer from PTSD for the rest of their lives.

No one desires war. However, Jesus told his disciples that before the coming end of the age, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matt. 24:6). The most important thing we can be doing in time of war is to pray for our leaders to seek wisdom from God. Also, pray for our leaders, for the safety of our military, for a quick resolution to conflicts, and for a minimum of casualties among civilians on both sides.

Thought for Today

Dear Veterans, those of us who have not served will never fully understand the sacrifices you’ve made

both in times of peace and of war. We will never fully understand what you were required to do or how you were able to do it. We will never fully understand the depth of your scars, both physically and emotional. But what we can offer you is this: We see you. We recognize your humanity. And we send you love that is gentle, patient and healing. With blessings and gratitude, we ask that you remember you are loved.