Let’s thank the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces as we honor veterans on Veteran’s Day. My father, Charlie Fegins, served at Pearl Harbor during World War II and was on the USS New Orleans when the attack occurred. He survived and came home. He was awarded a World War II Victory Medal years later when he was in his seventies. That was a proud moment in our family and to his much younger nephews who also had served in the service years later.
I remember watching 60 minutes a couple of years ago as the show reflected on the heroism of our soldiers. It also exposed the many issues of mental, emotional and physical issues our veterans face ;as well as homelessness. My heart was touched as well as broken. I begin to pray for our veterans while watching 60 minutes. It has been noted by experts that many veterans have come home “morally injured” and struggle to overcome homelessness, mental issues and other struggles ,which this nation must more effectively address.
Again let us thank the men and women soldiers for their service and their sacrifice. Like the former Senator Carl Levin stated “it’s absolutely essential that we honor our commitment to provide them with the very best care and support available. They’ve fought for us, and we need to keep fighting for them.” Senator Levin further stated “Around the world our troops are carrying out a broad array of challenging and dangerous missions. Wherever they are stationed, our troops and their families deserve our gratitude for their selfless service and their sacrifices”.
Give thanks to God for our veterans who have served our country and for those on active duty who serve today. To our men and women in harm’s way, our prayers are with you. Take the time to pray for the veterans and their families who suffer physical and mental aliments and those who may be homeless. They have faced gunfire, explosives and hard conditions we cannot even think about. However, upon returning home they cannot find employment and are homeless. Many veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder by the Veterans Administration or other disorders but have been denied disability pension or other benefits. See e.g. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/helping-homeless-veterans-win-battle-article-1.1511476#ixzz2kHPd8eYg . http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/veterans-day-remember-article-1.1507374
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/warriors.aspx http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/beyond-the-battlefield
Our country must be more vigilant and compassionate about providing the necessary services for our veterans in a timely and effective manner with all deliberate speed.
Pray for the protection of our soldiers serving around the world and at home in the United States. Pray for our veterans who have come home. Pray as follows:
• Pray for our physically and emotionally wounded service members and their families. Pray for mental and emotional healing as well as physical healing. Pray they obtain the necessary medical and other services they need and deserve.
• Pray for veterans’ families- for peace, love , forgiveness and that their physical , medical and economic needs.
• Pray for homeless veterans that they will receive the resources and the shelter they can obtain; pray for their protection and health.
Pray that they know that the Lord Jesus Christ loves them and that they know Him as their Lord and Savior. Pray for the salvation of their souls.
Pray for their peace of mind, strength, comfort and grace. May the Lord grant them favor.
Linda Fegins 2013
