One day of the year has been chosen to reflect on the American veteran. Likely for many, this is merely a symbolic gesture that may briefly stir up feelings of appreciation or patriotism, but as quickly as the thoughts and feelings come, they are met with an acknowledgement of inadequacies and abilities to properly honor the veterans of wars, conflicts, and guardian service to our nation. Perhaps honor can best be bestowed upon the veteran by our own effort to continue their work and sacrifice in whatever capacity we have been given.
The very existence of America is a miracle of God, and when we honor the veteran by mirroring their service, we also honor God to whom our country was dedicated even before its establishment. In 1607 the Jamestown settlers planted a cross on the shore of the new land and made this covenant dedication:
“We do hereby dedicate this Land, and ourselves, to reach the People within these shores with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to raise up Godly generations after us, and with these generations take the Kingdom of God to all the earth. May this Covenant of Dedication remain to all generations, as long as this earth remains… May all who see this cross, remember what we have done here, and may those who come here to inhabit join us in this Covenant…”
In confirmation of the Jamestown Dedication, thirteen years later those aboard the Mayflower made a compact which states, “Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia…”
Many years later the United States of America was established by God through the blood, lives and treasure of the first Americans on the battlefield and at the home front. Rising up against their oppressors they were granted victory, and through wisdom in governing principles we were given a land of freedom, peace, prosperity and protection.
Since that time, many Americans have become veterans of many wars, conflicts, and of guarding our nation. Now America has an enemy unlike any that it has ever faced. This one wears a thin patriotic disguise and occupies high places in our government and other influential positions. It is a greater threat to America than any in the past and requires the mass self-deployment of true patriots that will take their stand in whatever capacity that they are capable. Just as our veterans have paid a price for the freedom that is a hallmark for our nation, those of us who have enjoyed this freedom must also pay a price to maintain and regain it.
As a nation, we have not been faithful to the Covenant Dedication that marked the beginning of a noble heritage. The maintenance that freedom requires has been neglected and our blessings have been taken for granted. We have veered off course and are sailing back to a land of bondage, turmoil, poverty and danger, forsaking the heritage with which we were entrusted. May God allow us to correct our course and land once again on our own Jamestown beach with renewed vigor to carry forward the charge given to every American, and in so doing we can all be called veterans in that we serve to preserve the ideals and principles that have made America a light to the world.
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