On Veterans Day, Americans honor all American veterans, both living and dead for their sacrifices in protecting the greatest country in the world.

At exactly 11 a.m., each November 11th, a color guard, made up of members from each of the military branches, renders honors to America’s war dead during a heart-moving ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds Taps. The balance of the ceremony, including a “Parade of Flags” by numerous veterans’ service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb.

The bloodshed and sacrifice for our freedom began in 1776 when the British colonies on the east coast of the United States signed the Declaration of Independence to obtain freedom from the British. Many of the 56 signers were captured, tortured and killed by the British. The signers were men of wealth, education and faith in God who were willing to sacrifice everything for our freedom to worship God and to achieve God given goals.

American veterans have met major challenges for the past 241 years to protect our freedoms. The United States Constitution is based on biblical principles and the veterans have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution at all costs.

With God’s providence, the veterans have saved not only the United States but the world from tyranny. God has blessed the United States because of our faith. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia told some Louisiana high school students that God has blessed the United States because we have honored God. To be a great country, we must recognize God in our daily lives, our governmental functions and in our churches on Sundays.

Veterans and their families must be honored for their sacrifices and bloodshed in protecting the greatest country in the world in God’s providence. President Abraham Lincoln said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedom, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

People of faith must continue to be active in honoring God, and our veterans who protect us from evil around the world.

Freedom is costly but it is worth it. There will be continued challenges by evil forces. We must show appreciation to our veterans and thank them for their service.

Huey P. O’Neal grew up in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana. He earned his graduate degree in Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. In 1970, Huey retired from the United States Air Force after serving 20 years as a Jet Fighter Pilot and Engineer. He now lives in West Monroe, LA. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of this paper or its corporate ownership.