November 11, 2009 — Today is Veterans Day, a day to honor America’s veterans with heartfelt thanks for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice as they protect America’s shores and citizens from our enemies. This date was originally designated as Armistice Day, to honor the veterans of World War I, “The War to End All Wars.” Fighting between Allied and German forces ceased on November 11, 1918, and the Armistice between adversaries officially went into effect  on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.  In 1938, November 11 was declared a legal holiday. In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day by an act of Congress to honor men and women of the Navy, Army, Marines, and Air Force who had served in all wars.

Today we honor our American veterans.

Churches, schools, and communities hold observances on this day. Flags fly from commercial buildings, churches, and front porches. Parades, parties, and ceremonies celebrate the day across the nation. All activity ceases at 11 a.m. as Americans observe silence or pray aloud.

Appropriate prayers from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer ask that God protect and inspire our military and defend us against our enemies. Today, Episcopalians in churches and their homes open the 1928 BCP and call on the Author of Liberty to preserve and protect our nation and her military — particularly, on this day, her honored veterans.

In Time of War and Tumults.

O ALMIGHTY God, the supreme Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongest justly to punish sinners and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Army.

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

For the Navy.

O ETERNAL Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea; Vouchsafe to take into thy almighty and most gracious protection our country’s Navy, and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea, and from the violence of the enemy; that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the inhabitants of our land may in peace and quietness serve thee our God, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For these and prayers and thanksgivings for all purposes, turn to pages 35-53 in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, the complete book of Episcopal worship based on holy scripture, and one of the greatest works in the English language.