On this Veterans Day, November 11, I’m reminded of the incredible sacrifice made by so many men and women who have served this country. We honor those who served in the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. For me, it’s not just a national observance—it’s personal. My grandfather served in the Korean War, my father was an MP during the Vietnam War, and my wife’s family has a legacy of service with her grandfather, uncle, and now cousin all serving in the military. The sacrifices these families have made and continue to make are woven into the fabric of America’s history.
George Washington once said, "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
But this year, something different stands out. It’s the loss of 13 American soldiers during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. I’ll never forget the raw grief of Mark Schmitz, the father of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, who screamed his son’s name during the State of the Union. It hit me like a ton of bricks—what really caused America to turn the page? What caused so many to say “no” to four more years of leadership? It wasn’t the price of gas, the cost of eggs, or any of the surface-level issues that the media often points to. It was something deeper.
It was the moment when the nation saw the faces of the 13 soldiers who gave their lives. It was the day when America realized that the leadership we had was not living up to the trust we placed in them, especially when it came to the lives of those who serve in the military. Those 13 soldiers who died in Afghanistan—they can no longer speak for themselves, but their sacrifice screamed at us. Their deaths woke up a nation that had been numbed by politics, reminding us that there’s a price to leadership—and it’s not just about policies, it's about the lives of our service members.
The names of those 13 soldiers are important to reflect on:
Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz (20)
Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover (31)
Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo (25)
Sergeant Nicole L. Gee (23)
Corporal Hunter Lopez (22)
Sergeant Kiana H. Brown (22)
Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez (22)
Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui (20)
Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza (20)
Corporal Dylan R. Merola (20)
Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola (20)
These were real people—young men and women who gave their all. And it was their sacrifice that became a turning point. It was because of those lives lost that some Americans voted. They voted not for the price of eggs or the gas pump or even the over run border but because those who could no longer speak for themselves, their bloodshed, their sacrifice, demanded a reckoning.
When I reflect on this, I think about Romans 13 and Ephesians 1:13, which remind us that we are called to pray for our leaders, that they may have wisdom. That wisdom is needed most when decisions are being made about sending our service members into harm's way. We should never forget the weight of those decisions, the bloodshed that comes with them, and the responsibility of those who lead.
This year, Veterans Day isn’t just about honoring those who served. It’s about honoring the sacrifice that has been made on our behalf. It's about remembering that the leadership we choose must be held accountable, because the cost of those decisions is not just measured in dollars, but in lives. And it’s a wake-up call that America spoke for those who cannot speak for themselves anymore.
Let’s never forget the sacrifices made by those who’ve served and laid down their lives for our freedom. And as we pray for our leaders, let’s pray that they lead with the wisdom, foresight, and respect for those who’ve given it all. Because in the end, if we love America, we love those who loved us enough to give their blood on the battlefields.
Happy Veterans Day.
Michael P. Taylor, Jr.
A Call to Christ
As we reflect on the sacrifices of others, let’s remember the ultimate sacrifice made for us. Jesus Christ gave His life openly for our salvation. He died for us while we were yet sinners, offering us the gift of eternal life through faith in Him. If you’ve never made a decision to follow Christ, today is the day to do so.
The Bible says in Romans 10:9, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Give your life to Jesus today, because He gave His life for you. Let His sacrifice be your turning point. May you find the peace that comes from knowing Christ as your Savior.
If you have any questions or need prayer comment in the box below.