Celebrate America and Its Veterans

The celebration of Veteran’s Day holds a special meaning to many. Personally, I served in the United States Army in the Republic of Vietnam. My family has served in every branch of the military. As a Vietnam veteran, I was confused about the words “Celebration and Veteran’s Day”. As we all know, Vietnam vets were not welcomed home or celebrated like the veterans of other wars. However, my memory of coming home to my country was a celebration. I literally kneeled and kissed the ground at Travis Air Force Base in California the day we landed. Since that day I have gained a very deep love and appreciation for our country and our veterans.

As a veteran and pastor, I want to express my deep appreciation to our veterans by celebrating and commemorating their service. Today we face political lines drawn on our efforts in many areas in our country. I support our military men and women who served in WW ll, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and in every other part of the world. We have the best trained most dedicated veterans and active military the world has ever seen. These men and women deserve to be honored and celebrated. Let us never return to the days of Americans disrespecting our veterans.

I was blessed to see in person the Monuments in Washington, DC. to honor those who served in many wars. This Veteran’s Day, we must reflect on how our soldiers overseas must feel about the support of their country. Daily, these men and women face the possibility of death. Concurrently, they face the challenge of staying focused and strong as they read of the fighting between our elected officials. Anyone who does not support our military has no concept of the sacrifice these soldiers are making. Anyone who dares talk negatively about our military is misinformed, mistaken, and manipulative.

My prayer is that we will see these wars and rumors of wars come to a close. However, until they do, I place my complete support behind those who have served or currently serve our country. I believe America is the greatest country in the world. I am proud to be an American. I’m proud to be a veteran and in God shall I trust. I believe in one nation under God, and I still believe in Psalm 33:12. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. The people he has chosen as his own inheritance”. This Veteran’s Day we must all celebrate America, it’s veterans in every branch of service. Remember to pray for our veterans, political leaders, and the families of those who have served our country so honorably. May God bless America and it’s veterans.

David C. Friend served in the Army in Vietnam. After his service, he graduated from Phoenix College and also studied finance at Western Bancor. David taught banking at community colleges in Arizona and was a vice president with a real estate development company. He owned and operated Dave Friend Homes. In 1997, he went into full-time ministry, was ordained in 1998 and started a new church, North Scottsdale Christian. God blessed the church with over 2,000 members. David serves as a board member with Dream City Church. He mentors businessmen and couples and speaks on finance and prayer. He also served as a board member with Teen Challenge, Grand Canyon University Foundation, Tucson Salvation Army and several nonprofit organizations. David resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife Sharon. They have two married children and six grandchildren.