Today is Veterans Day, and my heart is full.

My husband served in the Army. Our son still serves in the National Guard.

So for our family, this is not just a date on the calendar. When I think of the men and women who have put on a uniform and said, “Send me,” I think of faces I love.

Today I want to remember all of them.

I remember those who never came home. They gave everything they had.

Their families have carried an empty chair at the table ever since. Moms and dads, husbands and wives, sons and daughters have paid a price that can’t be measured.

I remember those who did come home but came back changed.

Some carry injuries you can see: lost limbs, scars, bodies that will never work quite the same.

Others carry wounds no one can see: the sleepless nights, the memories that won’t let go, the anxiety, depression, and PTSD that follow them long after the uniform is put away.

Their battle didn’t end when they came home, and it deserves our honor just as much.

And I remember the families: the spouses who held everything together, the children who grew up with a parent far away, and the parents who waited by the phone and prayed.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

Some laid down their lives in a moment. Others have laid down their health, their peace, and years they can never get back. All of it is sacrifice.

Remembering Keeps Us Grounded

Why does a day like this matter? Because remembering keeps us grounded in what we have.

We are a free nation.

We are free to own our own homes and to work and build a life.

We are free to open our Bibles and worship without fear of who might be listening.

Our children can walk into a public school and learn to read, write, and think.

Much of the world does not have these freedoms, and many people throughout history never did.

These blessings didn’t come easily, and they aren’t something to take lightly. Someone paid for them.

Why We Must Teach Our History

I spent 29 years in the classroom, and I feel strongly about this: we have to teach our children the history of our country, the good and the bad.

We have not always gotten it right. We have had imperfect leaders, because every leader is human.

But I am thankful for the wisdom built into our government. We have three branches, each meant to hold the others to a standard so that no one person or group holds all the power.

That design was a gift, and our children should understand it.

World history matters too. When we study the governments that have failed, and failed miserably, we can see where certain roads lead.

When we understand that, we have the foresight not to go there.

A generation that doesn’t know its history is easy to lead somewhere it would never choose to go.

Passing It On

Psalm 71 has been my anchor for years, and verse 18 speaks right to this:

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18)

The psalmist knew that faith has to be told, taught, and handed down.

Gratitude works the same way. If we don’t tell our children and grandchildren what freedom cost, who will?

We can tell them about a grandfather’s service, take them to a Veterans Day parade, sit with them over a history book and talk about what happened and why it matters.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for the gift of living in a free nation.

Thank You for every man and woman who has served, and for the families who waited and prayed at home.

Wrap Your arms around the families who grieve, and bring healing to those who came home carrying wounds, seen and unseen.

Protect those who serve today. Give our leaders wisdom and humility.

And help us, Your people, to never forget. Help us teach the next generation that freedom is a gift that came at a price.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I am thankful to live in the United States of America.

Today, let’s remember that freedom is not free.

To every veteran reading this: thank you.