God Bless Our Military Heroes: Armed Forces Day USA
President Donald Trump’s Proclamation On Armed Forces Day 2020 began with a focus on the selfless patriots who defend America’s Freedom:
In times of war and peace alike, on land, at sea, in the skies, in cyberspace, and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, the men and women of our Nation’s Armed Forces serve with honor and distinction and stand ready to selflessly defend our Nation. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to these patriots, whose work enables our country to shine always as a beacon of freedom and hope for the world.
Read the entire proclamation here.
Armed Forces Day USA
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. Thanks to President Harry S. Truman, it’s a day to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces. President Truman led the effort to establish a holiday in order for citizens to unite and to honor our military heroes for their patriotic service in support of the United States of America.
Armed Forces Day is a joint celebration of all six branches of the U.S. military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and the newly created Space Force. The day honors all people currently serving in the U.S. armed forces. This includes the men and women who have served or are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard, including the National Guard and Reserve components.
Additional information about Armed Forces Day USA.
Prayer
Lord, we thank You for each and every person serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Thank You for their selfless service and sacrifice to this nation. Father God, bless them always. On this national day set aside to recognize these heroes, may they sense the nation’s prayers and gratitude.
Protect all of the men and women of our armed forces. Give them courage, faith, and clarity of mind to do their job perfectly. [If] they must go into battle, put a hedge of protection around them. Surround them on all sides and let no weapon formed against them prosper. Give them strength to endure. Be their hiding place and shield. Uphold them according to Your Word that they may live. Help them to know there is hope in You and if You hold them up, they will be safe (Psalm 119:114-117). May the funds our armed forces need for the tasks at hand and the equipment they must have be provided for them so they can excel [under any Presidential administration].*
Bring about in this nation an attitude of great respect and honor for all who are serving in the military and for those who have served in the past. For each one injured in the line of duty, [we] pray Your hand of healing and grace upon them. Reward them in every way for the job they have done. [We] pray for the families of those who have died in combat or while on duty. Give them Your peace, provision, comfort, blessing, and a special sense of Your presence.*
We pray for military leaders at all levels. Give them wisdom, common sense, and honorable motivations. May every determination for call to action be made based on truth and integrity. Keep them mindful of the precious lives serving this country. Father God, even military leaders making our nation’s most critical decisions have not escaped partisan politics. Isn’t this the way of satan? To infect every institution that should be fair, just, and peacemaking? Guide all military leaders at all levels, give them strength of mind, earnestness in purpose, and the will to make decisions for the right reasons.
[Bring an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to all of our military personnel.] Enable them to see Your truth so they can come into a full knowledge of who You are. Give them a sense of the high purpose You have for each one of them.*
In The Name Of Jesus Who Is The Way, The Truth, And The Light, Amen.
*Sections taken from Stormie Omartian, The Prayer Of A Praying Nation (Eugene: Harvest House, 2002), 102-103.
The Armed Forces Monument in Washington D.C. The inscription reads “Not to conquer, to restore freedom.”
A great day in military history, brought about by phenomenal military mission and victory.
May 7, 1945, Senior Allied commanders celebrate at Reims, France, shortly after General Eisenhower had addressed the German mission who had just signed the unconditional surrender document. Pictured are (left to right): General Ivan Susloparov (Soviet Union), Lieutenant General Frederick E. Morgan (British Army), Lieutenant General Walter Bedell Smith (US Army), Captain Kay Summersby (US Army) (obscured), Captain Harry C. Butcher (US Navy), General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower (US Army), Air Chief Marshal Arthur Tedder (Royal Air Force).
The German Instrument of Surrender effected the extinction of the Nazi Party and ended the war in Europe. The definitive text was signed in Berlin on May 8, 1945. This is the day celebrated as Victory In Europe Day, that is V-E Day.
Image: US Army Public Domain.
