Suggestions for Observing Veterans' Day (November 11) in Worship

Veterans’ Day in 2010 falls on Thursday, November 11. In most years and most times, Veterans’ Day passes in our churches with little or no mention. Historically and traditionally, Veterans’ Day has been more a civic than a sacred observance. As with New Years Day, Mother’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and others, Veterans’ Day is not a part of the liturgical calendar ”” although sometimes local congregations will observe these days in some manner in Sunday congregational worship.

Check it out and note especially the Litany from The Book of Worship for United States Forces (1974) at the bottom.

Posted in * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, History, Liturgy, Music, Worship, Military / Armed Forces, Spirituality/Prayer

2 comments on “Suggestions for Observing Veterans' Day (November 11) in Worship

  1. APB says:

    Due to a quirk in the football schedule, Homecoming at Sewanee was this weekend. They put together an excellent service on Thursday at the chapel, followed by a luncheon hosted by the Vice Chancellor’s wife. Those present ranged from WWII to Iraq veterans. It was basically Morning Prayer, with the reading appropriately chosen.

  2. recchip says:

    APB, Thanks for the report. I almost drove down to the Mountain for that service (12 hours each way) but I had no interest in Homecoming this year since I am “between reunion years.

    Also, as a general note. The article is from a Methodist group and it states that that (along with Veterans’ Day) that several other days are not on the Liturgical Calendar. Well, two that they mention ARE on the Liturgical Calendar in Anglicanism (US). Independance Day and Thanksgiving are both on the Liturgical Calendar with Propers, collects and readings for Morning and Evening prayer.