Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Greater love has known than this, than someone laid down
his life for his friends. John fifteen thirteen. Heavenly Father,
as we gather to honor our veterans this Veterans Day,
we are deeply moved by their profound sacrifices reminiscent of
the selfless love of your son, Lord. We thank you
for these brave men and women who have embodied the
greatest love, laying down their lives, their comforts, and their
(00:23):
safety for the sake of others and for a nation.
We ask you, Lord, to bless each of them abundantly,
Grant them peace, healing, and strength. May they feel the
depth of our gratitude and the warmth of your unfailing love.
Protect those who are currently in service, Guide them with
your wisdom, and keep them under your care. And inspire us, Lord,
(00:43):
to follow in their footsteps of service and sacrifice to
our communities, our families, and our relationships. Help us to
live out the teachings of Jesus, to serve and to
not be served, and to seek the greatness and humility
and love. May our actions reflect the values they have
fought to uphold. Courage, honor, and commitment to the greater good.
And freedom of a nation. Bless our country, Lord, guide
(01:06):
our leaders and citizens alike, that we might work together
in unity and peace, upholding justice and freedom. These may
seem like lofty requests in the midst of division and
strife that we see in the world, but we know
all things are possible through You, and in all things.
May your will be done, and may your love reign
in our hearts and in this nation. And Jesus name,
we pray in men. Welcome to pray news where hope
(01:29):
is our only bias. Today's news at a glance, we
take a moment to thank the veterans of our great
nation and reflect on the ideals of sacrifice and service
to others. We give a brief history of how Armist
Day transformed into Veterans Day, and the VA has given
a list of its accomplishments under the Biden administration, but
hasn't done enough for vets. It's good News weekend, but
today we take the entire episode to honor veterans, explore
(01:52):
a bit of the holiday's history, and ask the question
of whether enough is being done for veterans. We're glad
you're here. As always, it's our aim to leave you
informed and transformed. Before we begin, let's hear a word
from these sponsors. As we come together to honor our
veterans this Veteran's day, we are reminded of the profound
words of Jesus in John fifteen thirteen. Greater love has
(02:13):
known than this than to lay down one's life for
his friends. In the selfless acts of our brave men
and women in uniform, we see the embodiment of the
supreme love and sacrifice. They have laid down their comforts,
their safety, and sometimes their very lives, not just for friends,
but for their country, us and the generations to come after.
In Matthew twenty twenty five through twenty eight, Jesus tells
(02:34):
his disciples this, you know that the rulers of the
gentiles lorded over them, and their high officials exercise authority
over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to
become great among you must be your servant, and whoever
wants to be first, must be your slave, not just
as the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve and give his life as a ransom
for many. In these words we find the essence of
(02:56):
true greatness. It lies not in authority or power, but
in the service of humility. Our veterans, through their unwavering
commitment to serve our nation and protect our freedoms, have
lived out this calling. Veterans Days more than a commemoration.
It's a call to recognize and reflect on the virtues
that make our nation strong, courage, honor, in the unyielding
(03:17):
commitment to the greater good. Our veterans, from all branches
of service, from all walks of life, have demonstrated these
virtues in their daily duties and in the heat of battle.
As we pay tribute to these heroes, let us also
remember that their service extends beyond the battlefields. They have
served as peacemakers, as first responders in crises, as volunteers
in their communities, and as mentors to the younger generation.
(03:39):
They have shown us that service doesn't end when one
takes off the uniform. It is a lifelong commitment to
make the world a better, safer, and more just place.
This Veterans Day, let us stand in unity and gratitude
for these extraordinary men and women. Let us be inspired
by their example to serve in our own communities, to
reach out to those need, and to build a nation
(04:01):
that reflects the love and sacrifice exemplified by Jesus. Let
us pray for their well being, for their families, and
for those who are currently serving. As we wave our
flags and honor our veterans, let us also commit ourselves
to the principles they have defended, such as valor. May
we strive to live lives worthy of their sacrifice, marked
by love, service, and an unwavering dedication to the greater good.
(04:24):
To our veterans, we thank you, We honor you, and
we are forever indebted to you. Your service and sacrifice
echoed the greatest love, a love that lays down its
life for others, takes off its convenience, and dresses itself
in humility. God bless you, and God bless the United
States of America. You ever wonder how Veterans Day came
to be in the tapestry of American history, The transformation
(04:46):
of Armist Day into Veterans Day stands as a poignant
and patriotic chapter in our nation's history, reflecting the nation's
evolving recognition of its heroes. The story begins on November eleventh,
nineteen eighteen, a date etched into the annals of history,
when the Allied forces in Germany signed an armistice, drawing
the curtains on the cataclysmic Great War. This conflict, a
(05:07):
maelstrom of violence and valor, claimed over fifteen million lives,
reshaping the world in its wake. A year later, in
a gesture of solemn remembrance, King George the Fifth of
England christened November eleventh as Armistice Day, marked by two
minutes of silence at eleven a m, the exact moment
when the guns had fallen silent. The New York Times,
in its November seventh, nineteen nineteen edition, heralded this commemoration,
(05:30):
a tradition that America soon embraced with heartfelt ceremonies across
the country. President Woodrow Wilson, in a heartfelt address in
nineteen nineteen, reflected on the profound transformations wrought by the war.
Industries were remodeled, financial resources concentrated, agricultural output increased, and
a mighty army assembled. America's entry into the war, lasting
(05:51):
over year and a half, was a decisive factor in
the Allies victory. The Treaty of Versailles, signed earlier that year,
formally concluded the conflict, but also to unveil new possibilities
of political freedom and economic collaboration between nations. The narrative
took a turn in nineteen fifty three. Many years later
when Alvin J. King of Emporia, Kansas, proposed a significant shift. King,
(06:13):
who was a shoemaker at the time, moved by the
loss of his step son John Cooper in World War II,
suggested renaming the holiday to Veterans Day to honor veterans
from all conflicts. Emporia embraced this idea, marking the first
celebration that year. King's request led him to Washington, where,
with the support of Representative Edward H. Rees, also from
(06:35):
in Poria, he lobbied for change. President Dwight D. Eisenhower,
himself a war veteran, officially renamed the holiday in nineteen
fifty four. However, in nineteen sixty eight, a legislative shift
moved the observance to the fourth Monday in October, a
change that met with popular disapproval. It wasn't until nineteen
seventy five the President Gerald Ford recognized the historical significance
(06:57):
of November eleventh, reinstating the date Veterans Day effective from
nineteen seventy eight. Veterans Day, distinct from Memorial Day, honors
all who served, while Memorial Day solemnly commemorates those who
lay down their lives. Across the Pond, the British Commonwealth
and European countries observe remembrance Sunday. Around this time, the
red poppy, a resilient bloom amidst the ruins of war,
(07:19):
emerged as a symbol of Remembrance Day. The Royal British
Legion and its American counterpart, the American Legion, adopted this emblem,
with the red poppy becoming a symbol of support for
the armed forces. Thus, Veterans Day, evolving from the somber
reflections of Armistice Day, stands today as a testament to
America's enduring gratitude to its veterans, a beacon of patriotism
(07:39):
and a vivid chapter in the nation's narrative of honor
and remembrance. Our nations care for veterans has been put
on the Department of Veterans Affairs or the VA, and
ahead of Veterans Day, the Department of Veterans of Fairs
has initiated celebrations by first acknowledging its own success in
a notable announcement, VIA Secretary Dennis McDonough highlighted that the
(08:00):
Biden administration has delivered unprecedented levels of care and benefits
to veterans in the fiscal year twenty twenty three. This
achievement includes over one hundred and sixty million healthcare appointments,
processed by one point nine million veteran and survivor claims,
and distribution of one hundred and sixty three billion dollars
in benefits. These figures represent all time highs for the department.
(08:22):
But just because you're spending money, does that mean that
veterans are truly being impacted? We'll see. These figures represent
all time highs for the department, suggesting significant progress since
the scandals of long wait times and poor treatment that
led to the resignation of former VIA Secretary Eric Senensky
in twenty fourteen. Secretary McDonough, in his speech at the
National Press Club, emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and
(08:45):
recognizing the sacrifices of their families and caregivers. His plan
to join Vice President Harris at Arlington National Cemetery symbolizes
a national tribute to those who served the VIA's achievements
have been met with mixed reactions from political fifth. While
some Republican representatives like my boss acknowledge the VA's efforts,
they also criticize the bureaucracy and red tape, hindering its efficiency,
(09:08):
thus locking a lot of veterans out of getting solid
health care. Conversely, some Democrats, like Senator John Tester, focus
on future improvements, especially in rural areas, without explicitly celebrating
the current achievements of the VA. According to Pew Research,
veterans give the VA mixed reviews. Most veterans seventy three
percent say they have received benefits from the Department of
(09:30):
Veterans Affairs, but when asked to assess the job the
VA is doing and meeting the needs of veterans, fewer
than half. About forty six percent of veterans say that
the VA is actually doing a good job in taking
care of them. More broadly, sixty four percent of veterans
say that the government has given them about the right
amount of help that they should have, but three and
ten say that the government has given them way too
(09:50):
little help, specifically in the realm of mental health care
and care for families post nine to eleven, veterans are
actually more likely than those from previous eras to say
the government has given them less help than it should have,
about forty three percent versus twenty seven percent. So that's
younger veterans claiming that they have not gotten adequate care.
Despite the accomplishment that the VIA is touting, it faces
(10:13):
criticism and challenges. The Government Accountability Office reported disparities in
the approval of disability compensation claims between active duty members
and those in the Reserve and National Guard. Additionally, issues
in lung cancer screenings and racial inequalities of discharged status,
particularly affecting black veterans, have been noted. These gaps highlight
(10:33):
the need for continued efforts to ensure equitable and efficient
services for all veterans. The VA, under McDonough's leadership, has
expressed a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement, acknowledging the
necessity of focusing on veterans' needs and ensuring their access
to services. McDonough has stated that every VA door should
be a front door to veterans. The VA has concurred
(10:56):
with recommendations from the GAO that the Inspector General to
take care rective actions in various areas is warranted. The
VA's efforts, while commendable, must continuously strive to embody the
values of insuring justice, equity, and care for all veterans
who have given up their comfortabilities and much of their
lives and service to our country. The parable of the
Good Samaritan comes to mind, teaching us the importance of
(11:18):
caring for those in need, regardless of their background. In
the same spirit, the VA's mission should extend beyond mere
achievements and focus on the holistic well being of every
single veteran, mirroring Christ's teachings of love, compassion, and service.
In conclusion, while the VA's self praised achievements ahead of
Veterans Day marked significant progress, the true measure of its
success lies in its continuous efforts to improve, address disparities,
(11:42):
and provide equitable and comprehensive care to every single veteran.
As believers, we are reminded to advocate for and support
those who have served our nation, ensuring they receive the respect, care, honor,
and benefits that they truly deserve. With all this being said,
let's close our time together in prayer. Lord, we pray
for every veteran Today we pray for all those who
(12:03):
have sacrificed their time, resources, and in many cases, their
health and well being at the service of their nation. Lord,
we give you thanks for their self sacrifice. We give
you thanks for the time that has been spent, and
we ask earnestly, Lord, that you would continue to care
for them and give them all the resources that are
needed so that they might thrive. Lord, we know that
true love is shown in how we sacrifice ourselves for
(12:26):
others and those around us. Lord, Would you empower us
with those values in our workplaces and our homes, and
our families and in our relationships. May we be people
who sacrifice our convenience and our comforts for the sake
of those around us. Lord, we take time to praise
you today for those who serve. Would you continue to
bless them In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. Thank you
(12:47):
for joining us today on Pray News. It is our
aim to be informed and transformed. We pray today you
would proceed with hope, love, and determination to be a
force for good. If you've enjoyed this take on the news,
consider writing us a review and share your experience. You
can sign up for our newsletter O Prays. There you'll
find sources to all of our reporting. Be sure to
download the prey dot com app to make prayer a
priority in your life and experience the Bible in new
and exciting ways. God bless