Yesterday’s New York Times carried a story about a disabled Army veteran, who served twice in Iraq, won special commendation medals, told she was a valuable employee, and then fired by the new regime’s cyber chief in charge from her job at the Veterans Administration.
Her job? Helping to retrain veterans for the civilian workforce and coordinating veteran burials. Obviously useless tasks according to whoever is making these decisions. Her 2020 tour in Iraq left her with traumatic brain injury from an exploding shell. Like many other veterans, and feeling useless she has contemplated suicide.
This is how we repay those who went to war? Many of us may not have agreed with the politics of this war or that, but we do owe those who are veterans in our military services which are all-volunteer. And in the meantime, we have a so-called Commander-in-Chief who got out of the Vietnam draft for a bone spur and wanted to cut veterans’ services.
Prayer for the Day
Turn to us, O Holy One, and be gracious to us,
For we are afflicted with our failings and sins;
Hearing the call of this Lenten season, we only give up trifles,
For we avoid harsh truths and do not surrender what is important.
But you, O God, call us to shake off the pride that infects our souls,
And turn to you to heal us from false pride and ingratitude.
In the name of the One who can heal us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but is the parent of all the others.
Marcus Tulius Cicero, Roman orator (106-43 BCE)
We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who serve or who have ever served in our country’s military, as well as to the families of those individuals. Whether protecting our freedoms in foreign fields or here at home, the values these men and women bring to the American workforce and our way of life is beyond measure.
Sylvia Matthews Burwell, former HHS Secretary, President American University
I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
The upright shall live in your presence.
Psalm 140: 12-13