Veteran’s Day is personal to me. My father is a Vietnam War veteran. 

While I haven’t heard many of his stories, I know that the circumstances he found himself in, the atrocities that he witnessed, and the lingering aftereffects can never be erased. 

No matter how much time goes by.

Beyond the battlefield experience, my father returned home from Vietnam to find America not looking anything like the land that he loved.

It had been polarized by the war.

My father returned to the States to face scorn, shame, and insult. Getting back to “normal life” was nonexistent as political, social, and personal unrest became the new norm.

(Is it any wonder that Vietnam vets went on to experience a 90% divorce rate, one of the highest post-war PTSD rates, and saw suicides from their ranks skyrocket?)

My father sacrificed so much.

He sacrificed his time – more than a year was spent away from his brand new wife. Instead, it was dedicated to the terrifying jungles and unknown culture of a foreign country.

He sacrificed his innocence – images seared into his mind from frontline war, ambushes, and humanity at its worst that cannot be undone. 

He sacrificed his freedom – when drafted, he bravely answered the call and stepped up to serve not knowing if he’d ever return to the comforts of his American life.

He sacrificed his peace – fear gripped his heart and mind daily as he learned to live in “fight or flight” mode.  Exhaustion; stress; and terror consumed him. 

Life, liberties, freedom, and peace all come at a very heavy price.

My father’s example taught me that.  My Savior’s life did, as well.

Jesus proved that sacrifice was the ultimate part of living a selfless life.  His voluntary decision to endure the most brutal of Roman culture tortures of the day – crucifixion – demonstrated that.

That divine sacrifice continues to resonate around the world as scores of Christ-followers choose to pick up their cross and die to themselves daily as they love God supremely, love others as themselves, and live with mission and purpose. (Luke 9:23)

I am forever grateful for God’s ultimate sacrifice as Jesus exchanged His life for me.

I am also daily grateful for my father’s sacrifice as he bravely served in a war that proved to be a magnet for controversy.  But a war his country called him to serve in regardless.

Today, I write this in honor of my father and all the other men and women who have answered that call to serve, protect, and defend our country.

Thank you. 

Your service, devotion, and sacrifices will forever be written on the pages of history and the deepest places of our hearts.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!