Remembering

Today is Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada and Commonwealth of Nations member states. Both evolved from Armistice Day, the date when hostilities of the First World War ended.

Remembrance Day recalls all women and men who have lost their lives in service to their countries. Veterans Day recalls living and deceased veterans. The U.S. also remembers its veterans in the spring with Memorial Day. More on the history of today.

On this date the Catholic church recalls St. Martin of Tours. Martin  was an early saint who was not a martyr. He was the son of a veteran and served as a soldier himself. He withdrew from the army to serve Christ Jesus. He became a monk and then a bishop. The poor were always dear to his heart. He is patron of soldiers.
_________
Horned-poppy by Alberto Salguero CC BY-SA 3.0