Tuesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day on the 2008 calendar, but most churches will honor those who have served in our nation’s armed forces this Sunday, Nov. 9.
In various ways, churches will join others in our nation saying a genuine “thank you” for the contributions and sacrifices of these men and women.
For some veterans, their service was decades ago. The U.S. Census Bureau reports there are 2.9 million veterans from World War II (1941–1945) across the United States.
Almost an equal number of veterans are counted from the time of the Korean conflict (1950–1953) — 3 million.
The Vietnam era (1964–1975) has the largest number of veterans, about 8 million. About 2 million veterans served during the time of the Gulf War (1990–1991).
Sometimes people unconsciously assume Veterans Day is to recognize the service of past generations. And while that is one purpose of the observance, it is not the only purpose. Recognizing the price being paid by the current generation is also important.
Almost 2 million of the nation’s nearly 24 million veterans are under age 35. In November 2007, the number of people who had served in the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan topped 1.5 million, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
It should also be remembered that not all veterans are male. The Census Bureau reports more than 7 percent of veterans are women.
In Alabama, a higher percentage of the state’s population is made up of veterans than in the United States as a whole.
Of the state’s 4.6 million people, 11.7 percent have served in the armed forces, the Census Bureau indicated for 2007.
Across the nation, it is 10.1 percent.
The price being paid by those in the armed forces of the United States continues. One source placed the percentage of soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan at nearly 65 percent. Forty percent have served more than once.
If one is a Marine, then it is almost certain one has served in Iraq or Afghanistan. About 90 percent of Marines have served in those countries since 9/11.
Call ups have gone deep into the nation’s ready reserves, and National Guard units have been activated, several more than once.
Veterans old and young alike deserve the thanks of a grateful nation and the appreciation of all our citizens.
While honoring those who have served in uniform, churches and others would do well to remember the sacrifices made by the families of veterans.
That reality was brought home to me by the opening lines of a poem that hangs on the wall of the North Riverside Armory in Illinois. Its title is “I’ve Got Your Back” and was written by the wife of a deployed serviceman. It reads:
“I am a precious child,
my dad’s been sent to fight.
The only place I’ll see his face
is in my dreams at night.”
Similar sentiments could be repeated by children, spouses, parents and other relatives across the nation. They speak of pain, of confusion, of separation. The entire poem speaks of much more — of determination, resolve and pride. But one should not forget that those left behind have their own “wars” to fight.
Who is going to be the missing dad or mom for the children whose parent is away? Who is going to help with the chores of daily living that are left undone because one is away at war? Who is going to help stretch the dollars far enough to cover the needs?
Who is going to be there to listen to the problems and heartaches of those at home? Who is going to help maintain the emotional health of spouses and children and parents? Who is going to help them deal with their fears every time a news program comes on the air? Who is going to walk with them when they learn their loved one has been wounded or worse?
Most churches have wonderful reputations of helping people in the midst of crisis situations. Churches have been less successful in walking with families with needs that stretch over months and years. One appropriate response is to recognize family members who have walked with their loved one through his or her service years. Acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of these does not diminish the honor given the veteran. It does recognize that serving in the armed forces impacts more than the one in uniform.
Another way is to build relationships with families of those now in the armed services. Alabama Baptist churches could help these families overcome the feelings of isolation and abandonment common after the first few weeks of separation.
Churches could organize ministries to do minor household repairs or automobile maintenance. Ministries could provide gender-appropriate companionship for children. Spouses could be offered assistance with the ongoing stresses of daily life. All could be offered a listening ear.
Prepaid telephone cards could help families stay in touch without straining already overtaxed budgets. The list of possibilities goes on and on. The biggest decision is deciding to minister to these families.
When churches make this decision and follow through with their commitments, it is a way of saying to those in harm’s way and to their worried families that “we’ve got your back.”
Showing appreciation to veterans can be more than a once-a-year recognition. It can be and should be support for the entire family during the time of separation.
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