In 1918, the guns of the First World War fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This foolish and unnecessary war killed approximately 9.7 million soldiers and 6.8 million civilians, most of the latter from genocide or starvation. It toppled European monarchs and governments, radically changed the culture of the West, and ushered in the 20th century, which in turn became the most horrific in global history in terms of lives lost to war, oppression, and ideology.

In 1938, the United States made Armistice Day, Nov. 11, a legal holiday, dedicated to world peace and meant primarily to honor veterans of the war. In 1954, following World War II, Congress substituted Veterans Day for Armistice designating the date as an occasion to remember and honor all veterans of American wars, living and dead. It was soon customary to extend these words and acts of appreciation to active-duty members of the armed forces as well as to veterans.

Thus, Nov. 11 is the day when communities put out flags along Main Street or honor veterans with a parade. It’s the day we’re encouraged to thank veterans we know for their service.

These are all fitting gestures of appreciation, but relatively few Americans will see a veteran they recognize as such that day. Most of us are understandably caught up in the busy whirl of life, leaving little time for anything else. Yet it is possible to honor our veterans in a way worthy of them while in the workplace, our cars, and our homes. We can thank them by praying for them.

The Two-Minute Silence

Just as there is a national two-minute silence on Memorial Day, when we honor those Americans killed in battle, the same act of homage is true for Veterans Day. Few Americans are aware of the 2016 “Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act.” So that all Americans might participate at the same time, this moment simultaneously commences at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Time.

Remembering this moment of silence provides the perfect time to offer a prayer for our veterans, leaders, and country. Observation of this silence also adds solemnity to the day, thereby sharing with others, particularly children, a lesson in the importance of dignity and respect.

Prayers for Veterans

We can make these prayers anywhere and anytime. They can be personal, short or long, or they can be formal, like the many found online. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Stanley A. Crews Post 3513 in Scottsdale, Ariz., for example, offers a choice of 11 prayers directed at Veterans Day. Here is one whose message can be delivered by believers of various religious denominations.

God, please let every veteran of our nation’s armed forces feel truly and appropriately honored by the attention and appreciation of their fellow citizens. Let no one feel forgotten or neglected. Let every man and woman, young or old, feel the deep and enduring gratitude of our nation and its inhabitants.

Prayers for Wise Leaders and Peace

We can continue the intention of the 1938 Armistice Day Act, which was dedicated to world peace, by praying for peace in our time. We can add to that prayer our gratitude for those whose past military service preserved American liberty and for the welfare of those currently serving in our armed forces. In times of relative peace, we forget that they are the wall shielding us from the violence of war.

Veterans Day is also a good time to pray for wisdom for our leaders and those who assist them in planning, especially in international affairs. Since Vietnam, our country has become embroiled in conflicts where it soon was obvious that those who led us into battle were misguided and ill-informed. Those who suffer the brunt of these mistakes are the soldiers, sailors, Marines, and air personnel on the front lines.

We should also remember an axiom adapted from ancient Rome: “Si vis pacem, para bellum,” which translates, “If you wish for peace, prepare for war.” In our prayers, we should ask that our national leaders and armed forces always stand prepared to properly execute their chief duty, the protection of the American people.

Finally, we can ask for blessings on our country in these prayers, this nation for which so many veterans throughout our history were willing to lay down their lives. “In God We Trust” is printed on our money. This Veterans Day, let’s print it on our hearts.

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This article was made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal, a project of 1819 News. 

Image credit: NARA and DVIDS Public Domain Archives