Today is Nation Armed Forces Day
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. - Defense Link
Today President Obama made a declaration concerning National Armed Forced day. Read more here
What are you doing to celebrate the day?
All of us have family and friends that have served in the military. One of the reasons that America is so great is because of the freedom that has come at such a high cost. I have heard numerous leaders (pastors, humanitarians, teachers, government officials, and presidents) say that freedom is not free, and they are right. Our freedom has been paid for by the blood of those who have so passionately fought for it since the founding of our country.
I am very excited about this national celebration because I have a step father and three brothers that have served in the armed forces. Todd, my step brother, is over seas now. About a month ago my eight year old son came home from school and asked for Todd's address for his teacher. He said that his class, second graders, wanted to send letters to friends and family in the military. I thought that was a great idea, and discovered that many class rooms in many schools have adopted this idea.
What are Wichita Churches doing today?
Although several churches, if not most, are consistently praying for the troops, I called 60 churches and could not find one ministry actually doing anything special for the military today. As I shared this information with an associate, he said, "You're not going to put that in your article are you?" I could see why he was concerned, after all, Midwest churches have done a lot to make sure that the troops know that they are appreciated, loved, and prayed for, but I feel that taking every opportunity to say thanks, to our troops, should be jumped on. This is a day that churches shouldn't ever over look.
What are others doing today?
- Alabama having free BBQ (sponsored by local Wal-Mart employees) and helicopter rides to those in military and family.
- Topeka Heartland park is offering free admission to all military and family today including free admission to dirt tract race, AMA, Div 5 Championship, Div 5 ET Series. They will have fireworks after dirt bike race.
- Branson will be offering a free breakfast and buy-one-get-one-free admission tot he museum.
How can you get involved?
If you have any comments or suggestions about this articles feel free to drop me an e-mail here. And if you have a family member that you would like our readers to pray for, feel free to put their name in the comment box below.
Samuel Connelly
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