At a desk or on a ship, in the mud or in the air, there are those who served in ways that many of us may never fully understand. This Veterans Day, I’m drawn to a message of remembrance and gratitude, encapsulated in a few powerful words:

They stood to defend.

Veterans have shouldered a commitment that reaches far beyond personal comfort or convenience. Whether they served in the heat of battle, the chill of a lonely post, or the daily discipline of routine duties, each has left a part of themselves in service.

Each veteran has stood to defend the freedoms we often take for granted.

ALLEGIANCE FORGED

When a person swears the oath, they enter a brotherhood and sisterhood bound by duty. This allegiance isn’t just a ritual; it’s a promise to face the unknown.

Our veterans didn’t take that oath lightly.

They swore it, knowing it might one day lead them to a choice that few can comprehend. Against all enemies, they stood to defend.

For those who paid the ultimate price, they did so with a clear and profound love for the values we hold dear.

These brave souls laid their lives on the altar of freedom, knowing that sacrifice was not just possible but likely. They were willing to pay that price so others might live in peace and freedom.

They stood to defend.

THE CHARGE TO LEAD

For our veterans, whether in times of war or peace, the call to lead is more than just following orders.

It’s the courage to rise, to shoulder the responsibility of the mission and their team, and to uphold the values our nation stands for. When the banner of our flag unfurls in ceremony or sorrow, it’s a reminder of that courage.

They stood to defend with conviction and strength, carrying forward a legacy that touches each of our lives in ways big and small.

They stood to defend.

A VETERAN TO HONOR

As we celebrate Veterans Day, may we take a moment to honor each veteran who has served. In peace or in war, in the shadows or on the front lines, each of them deserves our respect.

They gave their time, their talents, and a piece of their heart to ensure that we may live freely. Each veteran has earned a place in our memories and our hearts.

Let’s honor them today, tomorrow, and always.

Let us make our gratitude eternal, not confined to just the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Let us remember, and teach our children how to remember. Let us continue to honor and support those who served, in every way we can.

Because they did it for us.

They stood to defend.

THEY STOOD TO DEFEND
By Les Patterson

At a desk or on a ship
In the mud or in the air
Veterans our country served
They stood to defend.

Allegiance forged
Sworn in Constitutional words
Against all enemies
They stood to defend.

That ultimate price
Laid upon the altars of freedom
They were willing to pay
They stood to defend.

Ruffles and Flourishes
Our Flag’s banners unfurled
The charge to lead
They stood to defend.

Be it peacetime or war
Each veteran who served
Is a veteran to honor
They stood to defend.

May our gratitude be eternal
Nor shall we ever forget
Our honor to always remember
They who stood to defend.

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SUNDAY REFLECTIONS – HONORING OUR VETERANS

Across the quiet grounds of cemeteries nationwide — and on battlefields marked by time across the globe — our military veterans find their final rest.

Yet, many veterans walk beside us every day — our neighbors, friends, and family members. Sadly, some may not even know a veteran personally.

Each one, known or unknown, is the reason we gathered Sunday night at the Battlefield Cross monument at the Smithfield Utah Carnegie Library.

This monument was the result of an Eagle Scout project led by Jon Cheatham and was installed in 2016. The sculptor is Robert Young of Salt Lake City.

We invite you to pause to remember those who have Stood to Serve, Stood to Defend, and each who “laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”

Click here to enjoy.

INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP 13 MINUTE ACTION

Take 13 minutes today to pause to honor and remember. 

God Bless Our Military and Our Veterans, God Bless Our Beautiful Communities, and God Bless our Beautiful country, The United States of America.

❤️❤️❤️

I love you, friend!

Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share.

Les

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