Veterans Day, "The Ultimate Sacrifice": Why Should Christians Celebrate This Holiday?

News Staff : Nov 11, 2015
The Gospel Herald

This Veterans Day, take a moment to thank a veteran—and continue to pray for those in active duty and the families of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. More importantly, remind the younger generation of their duty towards their country, and inspire them to uphold the tradition of liberty and justice for all.

Veterans Day falls annually on November 11 and marks a special time where citizens across the United States honor the valiant service and sacrifice of our armed forces in the past as well as the present. (Photo via VeteransDayus.com)

Veterans Day wasn't always known as Veterans Day; rather, it was for many years referred to as Armistice Day, which celebrated the end of World War I, or "The Great War." The treaty that marked Armistice Day was signed on November 11th at 11 o'clock—the date and time that hostilities ceased ending the "war to end all wars".

On May 13, 1938, the U.S. government made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday. Sadly, the "war to end all wars" didn't live up to its name, as the devastating and bloody World War II occurred just a short time later, and the Korean War after that.

In response, the 83rd U.S. Congress—at the urging of the veterans service organizations—amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

History.com notes that while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or dead, it especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or or peacetime.

...For Believers, Veteran's Day should [also] serve as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that was paid on our behalf—that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, willingly bore our sins on the Cross at Calvary so that we might be reconciled to Him, offering...

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