Vertical Day

Several years ago, i provided the homily 4 days a week in age brackets of Toddlers-Pre K, K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and 6th grade - 8th grade at their daily chapels  On Veteran's Day one year i was in the chapel for the K-2nd grade.  i had worn a long sleeve red white and blue rugby style shirt.  i asked the young people "why would i be wearing those colors today?"

Several hands shot into the air.  i called on one person who said for the 4th of July, i answered i could wear this on July 4th, but today is November 11th.  The next student i called on was in the area of Kindergarten students and he stuttered "VVVVVVV  VeVeVeVe, it is, it is Vertical Day!"  all the visiting parents and teachers were smiling.  i stated you are right it is Vertical Day, most people call it Veteran's Day, but vertical certainly describes the day. 

 i went on to explain it is a day each year where we celebrate the standing up of citizens for our country.  While a person is actively serving in the military, they are called soldiers.  When a person is no longer active in the military service we call them veterans.  "Today is Veteran's Day."  So the lesson went on to point out that our country has been built early on the back of men who protected the United States then women became a part of the military later on and so today we have men and women who stand for our Flag, for the United States, and democracy.

If given the chance to ever give a homily on Veteran's Day in an Episcopal setting i would mention how the United States impacted the Anglican church in the United States.  How our structure is based on similar aspects of representatives as in the House of Bishops and the other House.  i would mention the colors of the Episcopal Flag are red, white, and blue as well.  i would speak to the number of US Presidents that are Episcopalians'.  We have had a proud history interwoven with the history of the United States.

So please, if you know a Veteran thank them and then ask if they would share a story from their time in service.  We have so much to learn in regards to our military and their sacrificial service for each of us.

We need to thank them and tell them how much we appreciate their work.  i know the above cartoon came out in 2004 but it really impresses upon me the importance of a simple thank you.

Have a blessed Vertical/Veteran Day and thank a Veteran for their service.