Veterans Day

Read John 14:15-31

WHEN THE GUNS STOP

They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks.
- Mic. 4:3

To most in the armed forces, the time visualized by Micah seems a long way off. Even the end of the present war seems very distant. Yet it will come, and it’s good to prepare spiritually for the letdown that the armistice will bring.
I was in France about eight kilometers behind the front lines when World War I stopped. My brother and I took a walk out into the countryside in the Argonne Forest. We came upon a bonfire about two miles out of town, there being no further need for a blackout. The boys around the fire were singing hymns. The chaplain led in prayer and then gave a short message telling the soldiers what peace could mean. We left that scene of peace and good fellowship with “Blest be the tie that binds” ringing in our ears.
Back in town, the cafes were full, and drunken soldiers were spewed out on the sidewalk. We saw one man with his head cut open—not by an enemy bullet, but by a beer bottle in the hands of an inebriated friend. Perhaps the pattern for the ensuing peace was from the fabric of that celebration.
When peace comes it will be either a prayer-meeting peace or a drunken peace. It will either have in it the elements of goodwill and understanding of the needs of all people, or be stupid and bestial. The latter will result in a brief armistice; the former may result in a world wherein dwelleth righteousness.

OUR FATHER, although now we be people at war Thou knowest that we would rather be people of peace. Help us to learn those principles upon which a lasting peace may be built. Help us to learn to love one another. Help us to walk in the footsteps of our unity-loving Prince of Peace. In His name. Amen.

Norman E. Nygaard
Chaplain, Lockheed Overseas



My Dear brothers and sisters

Today is Veterans Day...A Day of Honor to this nations veterans. Those that have given and sacrificed so much so that we may enjoy the freedom and liberties that we have and some take for granted. Today, please take the time to reflect upon your life as it is and the sacrifices of those that paid the price so that you may stand freely on this soil. This is a land of opportunity in all areas of physical and spiritual life. You as a citizen and an American must choose what route you will take...whether it be good or bad....it is your choice, but its yours.... It is the person in the military that fights for the rights and freedoms that you have and enjoy. This is a day of tribute to those that serve and have served you and this great country. Honor him or her on this day of reflection. God Bless you all and all that you do. Lots of Love

your brother

Chaplain Dan
1SG. USA
Retired