# A prayer for our troops
*2015-11-11*

> On Veterans Day, Bill Young reflects on the life of St. Martin of Tours and offers a special prayer for those who serve in the military.

## Honoring our veterans

Today is November 11th, Veterans Day in the United States. We have a special prayer for all those veterans who served our country, protecting our freedom, our freedom of religion, and all kinds of freedoms.

## The example of St. Martin of Tours

Today's feast day is St. Martin of Tours, which is fitting for Veterans Day. In the 4th century, Martin's father, who was a pagan, wanted him to be a Roman soldier. However, Martin was baptized at 18 and became a priest at 25. He eventually traveled from Italy to France, where he became the Bishop of Tours. We ask St. Martin to pray for us and for all our military members and their families.

## A prayer for the military

Lord, hold our troops in your hand. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need, and bring them home safely. May their sacrifices bring about lasting and just peace in those lands. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

*We remember the sacrifices of our military members and seek the intercession of St. Martin of Tours for their safety and for a lasting peace.*