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November 11, 2007

November 11: Veterans DayVeterans Day is observed in the United States on November 11. Known in some countries as Armistice Day, the observance was originally set aside to honor those who fought in World War I, “the war to end all wars.”

In establishing the observance of Veterans Day, United States Congress approved a resolution:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked

the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption

by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again

be severed, and

Whereas it is fi tting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and

prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between

nations;

Newspaper accounts indicate that Episcopalians immediately opened their hearts in prayer for Veterans

Day.

According to the October 16, 1921 New York Times, Diocese of New York Bishop William T. Manning

“issued a letter to his clergy suggesting that on Armistice Day they keep their churches open all day.”

Manning offered the following prayer: “Let justice, mercy and peace prevail upon the nations, that Thy

name may be glorifi ed and Thy kingdom established in all the earth. Hear us, O Lord, of Thy great

goodness, for the sake of Him who is the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Today, Episcopalians continue to pray for veterans and for the men and women serving our country,

both far and near.

As Bishop George Packard, Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies has said to veterans, chaplains and active

members of the military, “Veterans Day is observed because of your service, thank you. Moreover, this

day is saved so we can exhale in thanksgiving for lives once committed in service to our country. And

it is a day which has an expectation that peace will be in all our futures.”

Chaplain Carl Wright baptizes a soldier in Kuwait

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The offi ce of the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies works with

veterans and those serving in the military. The offi ce’s web site

provides vast resources for observing Veterans Day along with

prayers, a litany, suggested hymns, refl ections, and ways for

personal and congregational participation.

ResourcesOffi ce of the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies:

http://www.ecusa-chaplain.org/

Resources for Veterans Day:

http://www.ecusa-chaplain.org/veterans_day_resources.html

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Day 2007: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/index.asp

History of Veterans Day: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

A Prayer for Veterans Day

Governor of Nations, our Strength and Shield: we give you thanks for the devotion and courage of all those who have offered military service for this country: For those who have fought for freedom; for those who laid down their lives for others; for those who have borne suffering of mind or of body; for those who have brought their best gifts to times of need. On our behalf they have entered into danger,endured separation from those they love, labored long hours, and borne hardship in war and in peacetime. Lift up by your mighty Presence those who are now at war; encourage and heal those in hospitals or mending their wounds at home; guard those in any need or trouble; hold safely in your hands all military families; and bring the returning troops to joyful reunion and tranquil life at home; Give to us, your people, grateful hearts and a united will to honor these men and women and hold them always in our love and our prayers; until your world is perfected in peace through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Written by the Rev. Jennifer Phillips, St. Augustine’s Chapel, University of Rhode Island

Episcopal Army Chaplain Christine Waweru celebrates Holy Eucharist in Iraq.