May is Military Appreciation Month, and today is Armed Forces Day.
Last year on Armed Forces Day, I highlighted a number of troop support organizations. If you’re not involved in supporting our troops, I encourage you to do so.
O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ 1928 Book of Common Prayer
During the month of May, let’s remember military families as well as military members. While the military member is deployed, the spouse has to assume the total responsibility for the family in addition to worrying about and missing their loved one. Young children miss Mommy or Daddy—even when children are old enough to be proud of their military parent, they still miss having their parent at home. The soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines choose to make great sacrifices for their country. Their spouses often choose to marry a military person, knowing the sacrifices they will have to make. But children have to sacrifice, and they have no choice in the matter.
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families; We commend to thy continual care the military families of our country. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vain-glory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Protect them from danger, strife, and fear. Let them feel Your presence and comfort when they are lonely. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy; endue their souls with patience; comfort them with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.. ~ adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Just watch this video of reunions of kids with their soldier parents and realize how much they have missed so the military member could protect you and me. You can see more reunion videos at Welcome Home Blog.