Remembering Those Who Serve
Each year on November 11, the United States observes Veterans Day and remembers those who serve as members of the United States military – those who have died, those retired, and those who still serve.
Each year on November 11, the United States observes Veterans Day and remembers those who serve as members of the United States military – those who have died, those retired, and those who still serve.
This is a special time to pray for all service members as well as our military chaplains. It is through prayerful support that chaplains are able to continue their important ministry. Catholic military chaplains are sparse with approximately one Catholic chaplain for every 1,000 Catholic service members.
Soldiers “risk their lives, sacrifice time with family and friends, set aside jobs, and often suffer the effects of their service into old age,” said The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA in his 2023 statement. “We pause to thank them, to say a prayer for them, and to recognize their commitment to our freedom.”
Those who have served often continue to suffer from the effects of war, whether mentally, physically, or spiritually. Veterans Day is an opportunity to ask the Lord to bless them and bring the comfort, consolation, and healing that He can provide.
Many Catholics throughout the United States begin Veterans Day by praying the Rosary for peace and an end to war – in thanksgiving for those who serve and defend our country, for the repose of the souls of soldiers who have died, for protection of soldiers and chaplains, and for comfort and healing for all those affected by war.
In a statement, the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA shared, “What better way to start Veterans Day than to kneel and pray the Rosary, invoking the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God?”
Many local parishes and community groups honor veterans in special ways:
Boy Scout troops place flags at gravesites in our Catholic cemeteries.
Parishes offer special Veterans Day Masses.
Prayer groups gather to pray the Rosary together.
Catholic schools have special Veterans Day ceremonies.
Students at Catholic schools send letters or cards to military members.
A Veterans Day Prayer
(From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace,
as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess,
we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.
Give them courage, hope and strength.
May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing.
Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light.
To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever.
Amen.
Check your local parish for opportunities for prayer on Veterans Day. Click here to find a parish.
For resources for military service members, click here.
For more information about our Catholic cemeteries, click here.
