Veterans Day: “Greater Love”
- Ken Kalis
- Nov 11, 2025
- 3 min read
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
Why we pause today (November 11).On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns of World War I fell silent (1918). Ever since, we’ve set this day apart to honor all who have worn the uniform of the United States—past and present. (Memorial Day remembers the fallen. Veterans Day thanks the living as well as the fallen.)
A Word of Thanks
To every veteran who reads this: thank you. For the years you offered, the nights you missed, the friends you lost, the wounds you carried home, seen and unseen—we honor you. Your service is an image of Christlike love: chosen sacrifice for the good of others.
A Short Reflection
Service reshapes a soul. Training teaches discipline; hardship teaches endurance; brotherhood teaches love. The Gospel names that love. Jesus did not simply admire sacrifice—He embodied it. When we thank veterans, we are not just being patriotic; we are recognizing the moral beauty of lives given in service and the grace that sustains them.
“Be strong and of a good courage… for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” — Joshua 1:9
Ways to Honor a Veteran Today
Speak their name. Call or text a veteran you know. Thank them specifically for where they served and when.
Listen to a story. Ask, “What would you like people to understand about service?” Then give them the gift of quiet attention.
Write a note. A simple card to a veteran, guard unit, VFW post, or nursing home can lift a soul.
Support the hurting. Consider giving to a reputable veterans’ ministry or local organization serving the wounded, the homeless, or the lonely.
Pray. At 11:00 a.m. pause for one minute of gratitude and intercession.
A Litany for Veterans Day (for small gatherings like RPH)
Leader: For all who have donned the uniform—on land, sea, and air—People: We give thanks to God.
Leader: For courage under fire and kindness under pressure,People: We give thanks to God.
Leader: For families who kept the home fires burning,People: Lord, strengthen and comfort them.
Leader: For the wounded in body, mind, and spirit,People: Lord, bring healing and peace.
Leader: For those who never came home,People: Lord, grant them eternal rest, and comfort those who mourn.
A Prayer for Veterans
Lord Jesus, Captain of our salvation,we thank You for the men and women who have served our country with courage and honor.Guard those who still serve; heal those who are hurting; steady those who struggle with memories that do not sleep.Bless the families who bore the long separations and anxious nights.Teach us, as citizens and friends, to honor sacrifice with gratitude, prayers, and tangible care.And as we remember earthly service, set our eyes on Your cross—the truest victory and the deepest peace.Amen.
Benediction
“Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:16May the peace you fought to protect rest upon our communities today—and may the Prince of Peace keep watch over every veteran, every family, every home.
O, beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!
----America the Beautiful
Katharine Lee Bates-
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