One cold day in the fourth century, a young Roman soldier named Martin, on duty with his cavalry unit in northern France, rode by the city gates of Amiens on patrol. This soldier was a little unusual – he was a Christian. Martin was on patrol, wrapped in his warm uniform cloak. At the city gates, he saw a half-naked beggar, and impulsively drew his sword, cut his cloak in half, and gave half to the beggar.
Martin served honorably in the army for a few more years until he resigned his commission, saying that he was a soldier of Christ, not the emperor. He went on to preach, to teach, and to bring the gospel to western France. He later became bishop of Tours and was known for his kindness to the poor and oppressed and his tireless dedication to peace and justice.
Veterans Day – which marks Armistice Day, the day when the guns fell silent over northern France after the carnage we now know as World War I – falls on Martin’s saint day, November 11.
This message is excerpted from “On Veteran’s Day we honor an advocate of peace” by Audrey Novak Riley from the November 11, 2019, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today is Veterans Day.
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