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Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a special day to honor all (military) veterans who have served and sacrificed for the United States of America. 

I’d like to pray, thank, and pay tribute to our veterans—living, active, retired or deceased: Valiant Veterans. 

Valiant veterans of yesterday and today who fought for freedom, peace and prosperity, life and liberty. Who served proudly and with dignity. Yet, survived and succeeded. To win victory for our country and the whole community. We’re so proud of you!/

You served and sacrificed. To protect and defend our nation and our Constitution. Our people and our community with much love and life, courage and commitment, pride and patriotism, valor and vigilance.

Valiant veterans of war and peace, hailed and honored/, revered and respected, recognized and remembered today, always, and forever.

On this very special day, a memorable Veterans Day, we salute you and sincerely thank you, Veterans, for your courage and dedication, love of service, and devotion to our people and nation.

We proudly honor you, the unsung heroes of war and peace, the past and the present, the ideal and inspiration for current and incoming generations.

We pray, “Almighty Father, bless all our veterans and their families. Protect them, watch over them, and keep them safe from harm. To our injured, sick and ill veterans, O God, heal them and make them well, wherever they may be. Give them hope and life, and strengthen their faith in you, the Ultimate Healer. 

And to our beloved veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we pray, Dear God, grant unto them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

All of these, we ask through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”

 

Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk and Chesapeake. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.