One Nation Under God: Happy Veterans Day
“God blessed America and in the short period of 200 years, it became a central nation and a democratic nation which leads the world,” said True Mother in a speech at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Nov. 12, 2018. She then donated $52,000 to four veteran organizations in New York in honor of Veterans Day and countless troops who fought and served America for the last century.
Every November 11, we honor an estimated 20 million military veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally called Armistice Day — when the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on Nov. 11, 1918 during World War I — this day extended to American veterans of all wars in 1954 to honor those who selflessly fought for the freedoms of our nation.
As we celebrate 103 years of observing Veterans Day, let’s remember the pivotal role of America in the world and in God’s providence. There is no greater gift and selfless act of service than laying down our lives for God and others — a risk our veterans took during their active duty, now continued by our current servicemen and women.
Below is an excerpt from True Father’s speech “America and God’s Providence” delivered Oct. 8, 1974 on Capitol Hill.
America's founders who came to this land about 200 years ago came for love of God and for religious freedom. This is the founding spirit of this nation. In this sense, America is unique in all the world. This is the nation with the prestige and pride of claiming the title, “One Nation Under God.”
You have already said that America is to be one nation centered upon God. But in order to become one nation under God, the individuals in this nation must be centered upon God, the families must be centered upon God, the society and the nation as a whole must be centered upon God. In other words, every phase of the life of this nation has to be God-centered.
America has accomplished a great deal, and has indeed tried very hard to live up to the responsibility to be one nation under God. The remarkable history of America and the abundant blessings she has received are proof of that.
America must realize that God has blessed this nation to fulfill His ultimate goal, which is the salvation of the entire world, not just for America. So America has a great responsibility. God's blessing never comes without a responsibility. America's responsibility is to get involved with the rest of the world, to bring all nations into that one nation under God.
America embarked on this mission at the end of World War II. God truly has a great expectation for America, when she is involved with the problems of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the rest of the world, trying to bring them together for the well-being of all mankind.
When America was involved with the rest of the world, that was God's Will, and God was indeed with you. However, in recent years America has shifted her priorities, becoming less and less involved, isolating herself from the rest of the world... I see that fortunately America has been maintaining a strong tie with the Republic of Korea. These two nations have very significant roles in the dispensation of God. Therefore, these two nations must stay involved; together they are the axis of the providence of God...
Today there are so many difficult problems in our world. America has many problems, as all nations do. We have our problems with young people, juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, crime, and the breakdown of the family. There are so many problems. But people are seeking answers and solutions without seeking God. I tell you, you will not find answers without God. When we have really instilled God's ideal into everyone's heart, that is the day we will find the answers...
I want to declare that this is the fundamental truth of the universe: God created everyone to serve others. And living this way of life is the only way we can bring the Kingdom of God here on earth. Every relationship must be based on giving... This is God's way. Those persons who serve others eventually become the center of their family, their society, their nation, and their world...
Almighty God lives solely for you and for me. Therefore, we must live this one grand circle of giving, serving and self-sacrifice... Selflessness is the key... This is not my idea. This is not a theory. This is the principle of God. Once we awaken to God's way of life and return to Him, to the absolute degree that He expects of us, then we shall truly see that all the problems of this country will dissolve. Great joy and happiness will blossom in this land, and through this nation the rest of the world will have hope.
You can learn more about the history of Veterans Day here.
