From the General Presbyter

It is my honor and privilege to submit a Midweek on Veterans Day. I consider my family “civilian” military. Though my father served in the Army for a short time, he was a career chemist at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. My mother, also a career chemist, worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After college, I worked full time for Paralyzed Veterans of America before going to seminary.
We say such lovely words to our Veterans like “thank you for your service” but do we realize what that means? Veterans serve in war and in peace. Veterans protect our people as soldiers, but also as first responders, technicians, communications specialists and a host of other forms of service, designed to keep our country safe. Young people die before their time for individuals they have never met and pay the price with long lasting physical and mental health conditions once they return from service.
Like some of you, I have had the honor to lay members to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. The simple grave markers do not boast of political ideology, theological perspective or social economic status. The white stones remind us – here lies a servant for all.
May we, as people of God, live up to their epitaph and continue to be – One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice – for all.
Blessings on this Veterans Day 2020.
– Jackie