Veteran's Day

Every November 11, our nation pauses to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform in the United States Military. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors the fallen in military service, and Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving in the military, Veterans Day belongs to all who answered the call to serve in the U.S. Military.

THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY

Veterans Day was first declared as “Armistice Day” in 1919 by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. It served as a day of remembrance for those who served in WWI. A few decades later, in 1938, the U.S. Congress voted to make Armistice Day a legal holiday. They decided to dedicate it not only to past service members of WWI, but also to world peace.

In 1954, after World War II had required the largest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in history, Congress voted to change the name of “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day” so they could broaden its focus from WWI veterans to all veterans. Later that same year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the fi st “Veterans Day Proclamation.” As he charged Americans at that time, “I call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day. On that day, let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

VETERANS DAY HAS CATHOLIC ROOTS

Veterans Day happens to fall on the Feast Day of St. Martin of Tours, although many believe this is not a coincidence!

St. Martin was a Roman soldier in the early 4th century. Born shortly after the legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire, he received the sacrament of Baptism around the age of 10, despite his parents being pagan.

When he was roughly 15 years old, St. Martin was conscripted into the military where he would follow his father’s footsteps. By the time he was 18, he was believed to have served all over much of modern-day Europe. However, something happened that would dramatically alter the course of his life.

When he was a young man, he encountered a beggar who was unclothed and practically freezing to death. Martin took compassion on him and cut his cloak in half to share with the beggar. That night, Martin had a dream where Christ revealed himself as the beggar who had come to him. As he came to reflect on the event, he decided he would no longer fight in the military and informed his superiors. Instead, he would “fight” for Jesus Christ and his Church. He would eventually go on to study under St. Hilary of Poitiers, open monasteries, and later become the Bishop of Tours in France.

Fittingly, the Armistice ending World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, ending the worst and most destructive war in history up to that point. Given his enduring popularity in Europe—and France in particular, where he had been considered one of its great patrons for centuries—the timing of the Armistice was not lost on Europeans, and certainly not on the French.
He is the patron saint of soldiers, veterans, the poor, and a principal patron of France, among other patronages. The Church encourages all soldiers and veterans to take up devotion to St. Martin of Tours with their needs, concerns, and requests.

And just as St. Martin of Tours showed courage and holiness in his own day, so too have Catholic chaplains in modern wars.

FIVE CATHOLICS WITH MEDALS OF HONOR

It’s important to recognize faithful Catholics who have risen above and beyond the call of duty not just for their fellow service members, but also in their faith life. They are examples to all of us of tremendous courage and love in the face of extreme circumstances.

There are five Catholic Military Chaplains who have received the Medal of Honor—the highest military honor bestowed on individual service members. The Medal of Honor is “authorized for any military service member who ‘distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his [or her] life above and beyond the call of duty.’” The following Catholic chaplains have been recipients for the medal of honor:

Fr. Joseph T. O’Callahan, S.J. (World War II – Pacific/ Japan, 1946). A Jesuit priest and Navy chaplain, he fearlessly organized fi efighting and rescue efforts aboard the burning USS Franklin after a Japanese attack in 1945, personally saving countless lives amid explosions.

Fr. Emil J. Kapaun (Korean War – Korea, 2013 ). An Army chaplain from Kansas, he ministered tirelessly to fellow POWs after capture in 1950—stealing food, offering prayers, and strengthening morale—until his death from maltreatment in 1951.

Fr. Vincent R. Capodanno, M.M. (Vietnam War – Republic of Vietnam, 1969). A Maryknoll missionary priest serving Marines, he was killed in 1967 while crawling through heavy fi e to anoint and comfort wounded Marines, shielding one with his own body.

Fr. Charles J. Watters (Vietnam War – Republic of Vietnam, 1969). An Army chaplain from New Jersey, he repeatedly rushed into enemy fi e during the Battle of Dak To in 1967 to carry wounded soldiers to safety and administer last rites, ultimately losing his life in action.

Fr. Angelo J. (Charles) Liteky (Vietnam War – Republic of Vietnam, 1969). An Army chaplain, he crawled into enemy fi e more than 20 times in one battle, rescuing over 20 wounded soldiers.
While the Catholic Church has always taught that war is a tragic failure of peace, she also recognizes the acts of heroism, service, and patriotism that demonstrate the highest human qualities. In fact, hundreds of Catholic saints and beatified persons are connected to military life.
Of course, not all veterans receive recognition for their courage—and not all wounds are visible.

WHEN VETERANS COME HOME

The transition back to civilian life is not always an easy one. Studies show that veterans’ vocational, financial, and social well-being are at risk in the months and years following their return home from service, which tragically includes suicidal ideation. Veterans may also experience re-integration stress when they return home, finding it more difficult to find employment, re-enter regular social life, or form and maintain new relationships. Many veterans carry their burdens in silence, often suffering complex trauma and mental health issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that extend far beyond their time in service. It remains more important than ever that we ensure veterans are supported when they return home.

VETERANS IN THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX

Roughly 4.5-6% of the population in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is comprised of Veterans. This consists of St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, and Assumption Parishes, along with the lower bayou region of Jefferson Parish, including Grand Isle. And it is our duty to honor them and care for them.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Veterans Day reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy come at a price. As Catholics, we see in their sacrifice a reflection of Christ’s own self-giving love. While we commemorate those who lost their lives on Memorial Day, it’s just as important to show honor to those who live in our neighborhoods, sit in the pews next to us, and shop at our grocery stores. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
This November 11, may we remember their service not just in thought, but in deed. A small gesture of kindness and gratitude can be a simple and powerful way to let our veterans know we appreciate them. In the spirit of St. Martin, may we always welcome them back into our communities with the embrace of Christ.

To our veterans, thank you for your service to the United States, to Louisiana, and to us. We’re glad you’re home.