11 November 2023, Anno Domini
Veteran’s Day Message from the Desk of the Presiding Bishop
Veterans Day is not simply a single day to be mindful of those who offered their very lives as a potential sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation. They have forsaken the warm hearth of home and family to travel to far flung lands and even wars in order to make our freedoms, and even those of others, assured. The loved ones wait at home and constantly dread every knock at the door that may inform of a lost husband, wife, son, daughter or spouse. The families of veterans deserve the same thanks we offer up for the veterans themselves. Those who keep the home fires burning, watching and waiting, serve just as surely as does the soldier in his service.
Today is a time to reflect on who we are, or are becoming, as a nation. Are we the same men and women who sacrificed their fortunes and sacred honor to secure our liberties in 1776? Are we the persevering people who cut trails in the western wilderness, built homes from the dust of the earth, persevered through the ice and snows of shivering cold and relentless heat? Are we the same people who are still willing to take up arms in defense of home, family, and Liberty? I think not. We have become lazy, self-centered, without compassion, and disdainful of self-reliance. We prefer the government to replace our God in Heaven by offering us free stuff at the expense of honest working men and women. It is even more reprehensible to contemplate what we shall become if we continue on the primrose path of wokeness and social engineering.
There is, however, one class among us who are yet ready and willing to lay their lives on the line to preserve our freedoms and to preserve us a nation peculiar in those freedoms among all other nations of the world – the veteran and the present-day soldier at arms. I offer this prayer which I delivered yesterday at our city’s celebration of Veteran’s Day:
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FATHER and Sovereign of all who call upon thy name, thou art the God of Battles and the grantor of all victories. We thine unworthy servants gather here today to honor our veterans of every war from Concord Bridge to Fallujah and beyond; as well, to honor those who still serve in the military ranks of our nation to preserve us a free nation among the nations of the world. Thou art our God and our Strong Fortress from the day of our founding as a nation until this very day, to guide our nation in the way of Righteousness and in the exercise of the blessings of Liberty. We pray for all our veterans that thou wouldst grant them the mercy of peace and love in the sure knowledge that they have upheld the principles and spirit of our true religion in the service God and Country, and in the sure knowledge of duty faithfully performed. We pray also for thy blessings upon those loved ones whom the veteran left behind to keep the home fires burning. They who watch and wait serve as well and are entitled to our prayers for comfort and felicity as well as those who have served in time of war or peace. We acknowledge all our Liberties are granted by your beneficent hand. We pray thou wouldst make us a more worthy people to enjoy those freedoms for we ask it in the name of thine own well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I remain yours in Christ,
Jerry L. Ogles
Presiding Bishop
United States of America
Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
Let us pray,
For the Armed Services. BCP 41
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LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians, marines, coastguardsmen and contractors of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A |
LMIGHTY God, we give you thanks for those who answered our country’s call, who rode towards the sound of gunfire and did not cower. We give you thanks for those who are with us today and for those who are with you for ever more. Lord, we give you thanks for the sacrifice made on our behalf by them and their families. Lord we ask that you give us warriors who will follow your way on behalf of our country, all of which we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
