The Service and Leadership of Veterans
The connection between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is not always fully appreciated. Memorial Day originated in May, 1965 in Charleston, South Carolina after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers. Currently, Memorial Day is a day to remember all who have died in U.S. military service. Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I and evolved to honor all who have served in the military, living and deceased. As United Methodists, Veterans Day also affords an occasionally to explore the Methodist connections to this holiday.
Famous United Methodist veterans include Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, William McKinley, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush who served in the U.S. military before their presidencies, and Captain Thomas Webb, an 18th-century British army officer who became a prominent Methodist preacher in America. This week, we as a nation and a denomination mourn the loss of former Vice President, Dick Cheney. He was the first Methodist Vice President to serve under a Methodist President. Although Dick Cheney did not serve in the military, he served as the 17th US Secretary of Defense from 1989-1993.
Our denominational website, UMC.org, reminds us that “Although we oppose war and urge nations to find peaceful means of conflict resolution, The United Methodist Church loves and supports those who serve in the armed forces.
We are committed to providing pastoral ministry to members of the armed forces and their families both during their service and after their return home. Congregations are encouraged to support those serving through prayer and to welcome their participation in the ministry of the church once they return.
Our involvement in political systems is rooted in the Gospel imperative to love our neighbors, to do justice, and to care for the vulnerable.
In his sermon, “Circumcision of the heart,” John Wesley reminds us all that “Love is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment.” Very excellent things are spoken of love; it is the essence, the spirit, the life of all virtue. It is not only the first and great command, but it is all the commandments in one. “Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are amiable,” or honorable; “if there be any virtue, if there be any praise,” they are all comprised in this one word,—love”
Expressions love can be manifest in myriad ways. Obviously, not every veteran dies in combat or as a result of injuries sustained in battle, but indubitably, every veteran and their family are transformed as a result of their experiences of the horrors of war. For many who return from the battlefield and for those complete their time of military service, the beginning/resume lives of dedicated service that benefits immeasurably the communities in which they reside. As remember those who have served, may we express gratitude for their willingness to risk so much for many whom they will never meet.
Let us share the teachings of Jesus over the coming days “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). We are looking forward to seeing at one of the worship services.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
