I’ve been trying to figure out how to juggle writing, family, and church, without dropping the ball before Christmas got added to the list. My first impulse is to run and hide from this whole messy madness called Christmas in America. Right now, I’m busy procrastinating to avoid it all…
Honored to have my Christmas article published on Southern Ohio Christian Voice. Please click HERE to continue reading, Wishing You a Holly, Jolly, Holy Christmas.
Once upon a time, there was a family of very meager means. It was Christmas time, and there wasn’t a spare dollar to be had, and for the first time there would not be a Christmas tree, no presents, no stockings hung by the chimney with care. It would just be them, and their bruised idea of a gentle Savior.
Continue reading “The Wisdom of the Grinch”
It is my honor to feature Pastor Chad and Mindy who currently pastor New Hope Church, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Pastor Chad is the founder of Of the Word Ministries, a new ministry to pastors. Pastor Chad and Mindy have been married and pastoring for 22 years and they have eight children ranging in age from 6 to 21 years old. Five of their children are adopted privately from places such as the Ukraine and California. Two have Down Syndrome. Pastor Chad and Mindy have been homeschooling for 19 years. In addition, they have worked with 29 more children over the years in foster care. Oh, and did I mention that Mindy and their daughters Lizzie and Gracie are volunteer firefighters? Continue reading “Fire Fighters, Fire Keepers, Heart Healers”
Anonymous Pastor, Kathmandu, Nepal: Actually I had the same thought when I was a teenager, manual labor is hard work, being a pastor would be easier. I would liken that comment to a child saying, “I can’t wait til I grow up and can work a job and not go to school anymore.”
I’m sure each pastor and city will vary, but being a missionary has changed my daily tasks quite a bit. A daily task, that in America would be a simple errand, can take hours. This is hard to explain, but in short America is very efficient country. Continue reading “Setting the Record Straight: A Day in the Life of a Pastor”
Pastor Tim Schmoyer: Yes, I am very thankful that both my parents love Jesus and raised me to love Jesus, too. I’ve been a Christian for 33 years.
I was 17 when I took a trip with other teen Christians to Israel. We were in the desert at night when the youth leader asked us to surrender something to the Lord. So I thought, I could spend the rest of my life giving up this or that to the Lord. But I needed to give him everything. I didn’t know what that meant until the following week when my youth minister took me to visit a Bible college and while I was sitting in a class, the Lord reminded me of my promise to give everything to Him. Continue reading “The Preacher and the Writer”
“Hi Pastor Obermeyer. Would you like to unwrap these statements of yours a bit, which you gave in answer to my questions? Here, Preacher; the floor, or rather, the pulpit is yours! If you wish to take it—go!”
“Okay, rolling up my sleeves, lol.”
Rachael: What most breaks your heart? What do you see as the biggest threat to the church today?
Pastor Kevin Obermeyer: The condition of the church these days, which gets so caught up with the world and then wonders why it isn’t being effective. Secular worldviews, worldly attitudes, Biblical illiteracy, and ignorance.
What I mean is that I see many worldly philosophies and practices actively being taught in the church by ignorant and immature Christians. Spiritual immaturity is rampant, as is Biblical illiteracy. I hear more people offering their logic and opinions than actual Scripture verses. I hear Christians talk about “centering,” themselves, not realizing they are really talking about centering their “chi,” or life energy, which is a complete Eastern thought about how our life energy vibrates out of balance and needs to be re-centered.
Even yoga is designed for this, each position centering and balancing a different part of the chi; and yet we find “Christian yoga,” which is kind of a contradiction in terms, being led in some churches. I hear Christians talk about karma—good and bad karma and how karma is going to, “get that person.” This is horrible. Karma is not the same thing as the Biblical teaching of reaping what you sow despite its popular use even among Christians. Karma is a cosmic force, energy, or presence generated by the sum of a person’s actions, good and bad, which affects the nature of a person’s existence and determines their destiny or fate through transmigration into their next incarnation. That’s a mouthful, but it’s even more than that. It’s also one of the three margas, or paths to Brahman or salvation taught in Hinduism, being the path through works.
All of this comes from paganism and mythology and is completely contrary to Scripture, which teaches against reincarnation and salvation by works. It also puts our trust for justice and vengeance in something besides a merciful God and bypasses mercy altogether. Sadly, so many people today think they get into Heaven by doing enough good things to outweigh the bad, which is why many people struggle with the security of their own salvation in Christ.
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; Romans 3:10 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
Karma completely undermines the finished work of Christ on the cross and the hope we have in Him. It puts all the responsibility on us and our own abilities to save ourselves, which is an impossible task. And it isn’t enough just to say you don’t use the word, karma, that way but mean something else, like good or bad luck, (also pagan). The Bible is clear that it is what it is regardless of how you use it (c.f 1 Corinthians 10:19-21). And if that isn’t clear enough, Paul specifically writes that we are to avoid even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). The Bible is replete with passages, (Old and New Testament), telling God’s people not to be like the pagans and not to do what they do, especially in dance, worship, and lifestyle. We are to be different, set apart, holy. That’s something I think a lot of Christians overlook but really should investigate. Both Paul and Christ warn even further against causing others to stumble in their faith by one’s own misleading actions.
People offer their thoughts and positive energy along with their prayers; again Eastern thought. And they confuse Eastern and New Age meditation, (emptying your mind and thoughts), with Biblical meditation, (filling your mind and thoughts with Scripture and Godly reflection). Christ warns that an empty “house” is vulnerable to being filled with demons, (Matthew 12:44-45). We think if we call it, “mindfulness,” then it’s not the same thing as Hinduism, Buddhism, and New Age thought; whatever you want to call it, it isn’t Biblical.
I see churches and pastors getting distracted and becoming more concerned about looks and feels and making sure people are entertained rather than about teaching solid truth and deep faith. We sure get fired up about political and social issues, and we’ve got to look fly in front of people to keep up with the world, while the meat of God’s Word for daily living, spiritual growth, furthering of God’s Kingdom, and changing that world can just take a backseat—as if we don’t truly believe in it’s Power. I hear more motivational speaking than preaching, and those are not the same thing. Sadly, the church is sick and is presenting a shallow Gospel, and then we wonder why so many people, especially young people, question and abandon their faith. They’ve been given a different Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Galatians 1:6-9) with no saving power. Their need isn’t satisfied. Their faith doesn’t take root because their faith hasn’t been placed in the true Solid Rock of Christ, but sinking sand.
Rachael: If you could tell the Church anything, what would it be? What’s on your heart?
Pastor Kevin Obermeyer: So many have unteachable spirit attitudes. I want to remind people about holiness that seems to be so lacking today. Continue reading “And the Preacher Rolled Up His Sleeves”
This comes at the expense of a broken heart. —Pastor Pablo Catala
Physical and emotional stress; personal time and freedom; often any sense of security because things change so much in your life; and struggles with self-worth as you are constantly being evaluated, of which you mostly only hear about your shortcomings. —Pastor Kevin Obermeyer
As a missionary it has cost convenience, comfort, seeing family… but the promised reward of souls far outweigh the costs. —Anonymous Pastor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Seeing what people need to do and watching them not do it, no matter how I present it or how I word it, no matter how much time I spent with them and then having to hear the lament of,“Pastor, you were right,” which does not comfort me as I’m seeing the carnage of their bad decisions. —Anonymous Pastor
Expecting to be loved, understood, maybe even appreciated? They have no idea how needy we are. —Anonymous Pastor’s Wife
Sometimes your own children reject everything you’ve lived for and still you must keep going. —Anonymous
Realizing how much you don’t know, and feeling like you never do enough, aren’t good enough, or that you might misspeak something heretical. —Pastor Kevin Obermeyer
I guess my passion for the church gets me in trouble. —Janet Foley
Making sure that in the midst of building God’s church I don’t lose my marriage or children to the devil’s lies. Stretching time and making sure none of the 3 most important elements of your life are not cheated: God/ family/ work. —Pastor Pablo Catala Continue reading “Pastor, Pastor’s Wife~ What Breaks Your Heart, What Keeps You Going?”
I recently had the privilege of being on an outreach team to help Pastor Pablo and Nicole Catala’s pioneer church in Bridgeport CT. I was struck by how laid down, how wide open and vulnerable their hearts and lives were for God and the people of their city. I watched them love people with the love of God. I watched the ease with which they outreached, their children alongside them—truly a team, like a machine in sync. I took note of their home. Everywhere I turned there were photographs of their family and decor that shouted in unison about God and family. I learned their story later and asked them to share it. Here it is.
Nicole Catala: One night my husband and I were fighting and basically done with our marriage. We both never had an example. We were only 6 months married and wanted to go for a divorce! That night my husband packed his clothes and left the house. The very next day I got a flyer from someone that there was going to be a healing crusade right across the street in Poe Park, put on by Victory Chapel in the Bronx, NY. As I was looking at the state of my life I knew I needed a miracle. I didn’t want my life to be just like the life of my family: Divorced, having multiple children from different men. I decided to go to the first night of the healing crusade. I was in a state of depression at only 18 years old and felt there was no hope for me and my eight month old son. Continue reading “From Dope Dealer to Hope Dealer”
I dreaded the thought of setting up and conducting chemistry and biology lab experiments in my house for my homeschooled children. Science fascinates me, but it is not my forte. So I was thrilled to discover College Prep Science, founded by former college professor and homeschool dad, Greg Landry.
It was my honor to interview Greg, and I’m excited to introduce you to
him and his academy in this article.
College Prep Science offers several live online science classes, as well as two day science lab intensives for 7th – 12th grade homeschooled students year round, and a variety of week long summer camps for 6th-12th graders.
PFC David Fosdick Taylor was only 19 when he and his fellow soldiers of the 104th Infantry Division “Timberwolves” of the United States Army fought to the north of where the Battle of the Bulge was waged. The cold, wet conditions in November and December 1944, made it all the more miserable and caused David and many of the men to suffer from trench foot.
Shots rang out as the Timberwolves pressed toward the Nazi army and enemy snipers fired at them from the trees. In the exchange of gunfire, a bullet found its target and an American soldier fell and lay wounded in the space between them and the enemy.
A volley of enemy ammunition rained down as David ran across the open field and carried his fellow soldier back toward their unit. A bullet ripped through David’s leg and he stumbled, but regained his footing and kept going.
David lay recovering from his wound in the 203rd General Hospital outside of Paris, grateful to be alive and to have saved the soldier’s life. But he longed for home. His thoughts drifted to his younger sister, Jean, and the sweet sound of her singing as she played Christmas carols on the family piano in the parlor. He picked up his pen and began to draw.
David received the Purple Heart awarded to servicemembers wounded or killed while engaged in battle with the enemy.
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I wonder how many know that in 1999, congress designated May as Military Appreciation Month? Someone informed me that May fourth was Star Wars Day. But of the fifty people I asked, only two knew the third Saturday of May is designated as Armed Forces Day. It bothers me when heroes, those who serve, are overlooked, unheard, misunderstood, or not shown the appreciation and support they deserve.
On a wind-whipped, drizzly late afternoon, I set out with notebook and pen to the annual Memorial Day weekend Troops in the Spotlight event across town. I’d hesitated to go, and wondered if they’d talk to me. Our troops protect and serve us in all kinds of adverse conditions, and the weather didn’t dampen their spirits. What a joyful privilege to interview our active duty and retired military members and share their words along with military history.
“I joined the military because I’m answering my calling,” said the first young United States Army serviceman I interviewed.
“The sacrifice of being away from my family is the hardest. The births, funerals, birthdays I miss. When my niece asked why I wasn’t at her birthday…when you come home, and kids don’t know you. It’s hard not being there for my family, but those people I’m not there for are the reason why I’m gone. I’m doing this for them, to take care of them. So, by being away, I am there for them,” he said.
The National Security Act, signed into law on July 26, 1947[1], by President Harry S. Truman, unified the Army, Navy, Marines, and Airforce under the Department of Defense.
To signify this unification, “President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace the observance of separate service days.[2]”—Department of Defense website[3]
The Army, Air Force and Navy adopted Armed Forces Day and last celebrated their individual service days in 1949. The Marine Core League supports Armed Forces Day and continues to celebrate Marine Core Day as well (November 10th). Likewise, the Coast Guard (under the authority of Homeland Security in peacetime, and the Navy in wartime) celebrates both Coast Guard Day (August 4th) and Armed Forces Day.
President Truman made the Presidential Proclamation of Armed Forces Day on Feb 27, 1950.[4] First celebrated on May 20, 1950, it is now observed on the third Saturday of May.
Link to: Armed Forces Medley: National Symphony Orchestra performance at National Memorial Day Concert
“I thought, why not be the first to serve in my family?”
“It’s stable. Good pay.” (Served in Kuwait twice)
“I was in a rut and in need of a way out. I felt the military was a good way out —[it offered] schooling, job.
“After college, I couldn’t find a job. My Father was an Army reservist and encouraged me. My Grandfather was a World War II Navy veteran.”—U.S. Air Force
“I joined because I wanted to do something better with myself.”—Retired, U.S. Air Force serviceman of 20 years
“The hardest thing is being away from my family. I have friends serving overseas.”
“When I ask for the military discount, and they ask for my husband’s ID. I’m the service person.”
“Recognize women in the military. People ask about us being harassed in the military. I get harassed by those not in the military.”
“Staying up all night.”
“The PC. Why is there any such thing as politically correct?”
“I have lost two friends in combat.”
“Most American citizens aren’t aware servicemen died today in combat. Do they know their names?”
~~*~~
In 1866, a year after the Civil War ended, a women’s memorial association in Columbus, Mississippi, decorated the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers with flowers. This benevolent gesture inspired the poem “The Blue and the Gray,” by Francis Miles Finch. Perhaps these women’s reconciliatory actions influenced the creation of Memorial Day and its customs.
On May 15th, 1868, Union hero and Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, issued General Order Number 11, designating May 30 a day of memorial, originally known as Decoration Day, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.”
With President Ulysses Grant presiding, General James A. Garfield (who became 20th President of the United States in 1881) spoke at the first national Memorial Day observance ceremony. This took place on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, the grounds of which were formerly the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
Memorial Day was later expanded to honor all deceased American military men and women who gave their lives defending our nation in battle. In 1971, federal law moved the observance of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.
Today Memorial Day is observed at Arlington National Cemetery by decorating each grave with an American flag and placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In other military cemeteries, flags are placed on the graves of all veterans and even on their spouse’s graves on Memorial Day.
LINK: Here, TSgt Mike Brest performs Taps in Arlington National Cemetery.
General James A. Garfield’s Speech, known as “His finest hour,” given at the first national Memorial Day:
“I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue…” [5] Click to continue.
LINK: The History of Taps, told by John Wayne
Canadian officer and surgeon Major John McCrae penned the famous wartime poem, In Flanders Fields in 1915 during WWI. It inspired the red poppy’s rise of popularity and subsequent adoption as a symbol of remembrance. By 1917, In Flanders Fields was known throughout the English-speaking world and used to bring attention to the war effort, recruit American soldiers, and help raise money for the troops. [6]
-by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
“No concerns. Everything is a cycle. What goes up will come down and what is down will come up.”
“Drill instructors aren’t tough enough today on recruits.”
“I’m concerned the military has gotten a little soft.”
“The definition of hazing has gone too far.”
“Now there is more paperwork. The military used to be more physical. You can’t engage the enemy with paper.”—U.S. Army
“We need to toughen up the military.”
“We hope they don’t shut down more bases. This is how we support our families. This is our job. This is who we are. This is what we do.”
“It is what it is. I don’t get caught up in the possibilities, the threats. I knew what I was getting into when I signed up.”—U.S. Air Force
Link to SONG: Toby Keith | American Soldier
“It’s horrible how people treat our police officers.”
“The way kids are being brought up. They don’t respect authority, and only want to play games. I think they should all serve two years in the military after high school.”
“Children today have no respect for authority.”
“People don’t have respect for authority, for each other, the military, our country.”
“We need more enlistments.”
“I’m concerned about the disconnect. Less than 1% of the population carry the burden of serving in our military.”—U.S. Army
“The situation in the nation between citizens, the youth, and police officers.”
“Taking away gun rights doesn’t stop the bad guys. We need rules and regulations. But you need the right to defend yourself.”
“Be aware. Isis is everywhere. They are here. Living on your street.”
“They, [American civilians], think Otis Air Force Base is closed. They don’t know there is still a war [on terror.]”—U.S. Air Force
~~*~~
War is a terrible thing, but sometimes it’s necessary to wage war to win peace and secure freedom. There is no neutral ground—we either advance good or enable evil.
Many are the sacrifices our military members make for their country and those they love.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 NASB)
I’d be remiss to not draw attention to the most epic battle ever waged—the war for our souls. Jesus fought to rescue us from the grip of our enemy Satan’s tyranny. We don’t have to live captive to our sin, sorrow, or past.
The greatest danger—that of the unredeemed soul precariously perched on the edge of hell is ever present, whether they’re aware of their jeopardy. A wise soldier wouldn’t step into battle unprepared. An even greater tragedy is to navigate life’s battles and step into eternity unprepared.
Jesus said, “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” I John 5:12 (NKJV)
Why choose to remain a prisoner when love drove Jesus to give His life on the cross as ransom for our sin? He defeated the devil, conquered death, and hell when he rose, thus opened the way so we can walk free.
Jesus delivered me from captivity to a life of liberty when I accepted the love, forgiveness, and salvation He offers. He is my able ally.
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 (NKJV)
~~*~~
“Many Americans don’t understand our military. A gap exists between civilians and the military. People ask, most don’t know we [U.S. military forces], are still at war [in Iraq as part of the global war on terror.] In World War II, there was a shared sacrifice with civilians. They participated in the war effort to meet the needs. We need civilians to educate themselves and participate.”—U.S. Army
“Remember, we are serving. Serving here is just as important as serving overseas. We have jobs, we volunteer in the community, train personnel to deploy, help with school, with storm support, the Red Cross, the Boston marathon, communications.”—U.S. Air Force
“I never really thought about it; I get treated well. Show support—like at Troops in the Spotlight.”—U.S. Army
“We do our duty. Be supportive of the military. Some towns locally don’t show support for us. When they see us, it’s like, ‘What are you doing here?’ — I’d like to see more parades and events—to be more a part of the culture.”—U.S. Army
“Military discounts, the thumbs up when you drive by makes us want to keep going and do what we do. Send care packages to our troops overseas.”—U.S. Air Force
“I could say more benefits, or that some things need to be fixed with the VA, but what we really need is unity. Have your differences. You’re an immigrant. Welcome—but you are an American now. Be one nation.”—U.S. Army
“Be an American. Show your support, like you’re doing now. Appreciate the benefits of the U.S. being your home. Take care of it. America needs to come first. Just be a civilian and do the best you can.”—U.S. Air Force
“I’m concerned that we are divided. Realize what we as a nation are about: United—one nation.—Represent your flag. We need understanding, to accept, and respect each other. Out of many one people. Have your culture; have your heritage. Be proud of your heritage—but we are all Americans. E Pluribus Unum; out of many, one. We are Americans first.”—U.S. Army serviceman twice deployed to Afghanistan.
“Those citizens who are doing their best—we appreciate it.”—U.S. Army
~~~*~~~
The good soldier fights for freedom, righteousness, and securing an ordinary peaceful life and opportunity for their people. Those fulfilling wholesome occupations are part of a soldier’s reward they can look forward to coming home to. May we each do our duty in light of the trust we’ve received as citizens of our great nation. And if you are a Christian, also as soldiers and ambassadors for the gospel of Jesus Christ. No task is insignificant if it plays a part in fulfilling our call. What are you called to? Do that.
Link to video of: The Star Spangled Banner (with lyrics) Performed by Sandi Patti with the original lyrics written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and added verse composed by Claire Cloninger for the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration in 1986.
To our American military personnel who served, to those who paid the ultimate price by laying down their lives for our freedom, and those who currently serve and protect in our United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and National Guard: Thank you.
May God help us raise our families, appreciate our freedoms, care for our countrymen and nation, and live our lives in such a manner worthy of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. I pray for God’s direction, protection, provision, strength, and blessings on them and their families. May our hearts hold our American military in grateful honor and prayer and demonstrate our love and support for them, not only on designated days, but always.
Link to VIDEO: The Soldier by Charles M Province U.S. Army, Read by Retired Colonel, United States Army, Senator John Pappageorge
Link to: God Bless America (Patriotic Slideshow)
~~~~~***~~~~~~
[1] https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/public-papers/42/letter-president-senate-and-speaker-house-transmitting-draft-national
[3] https://afd.defense.gov/History/
[4] https://www.govinfo.gov/features/armed-forces-day
[5 https://whatsoproudlywehail.org/curriculum/the-american-calendar/decoration-day-address-1868
[6] https://www.britannica.com/topic/In-Flanders-Fields
Official website of the United States Army https://www.army.mil/
Official website of the United States Navy http://www.navy.mil/
Official website of the United States Marines http://www.marines.mil/
Official website of the United States Air Force http://www.af.mil/
Official website of the United States Coast Guard https://www.uscg.mil/
Official website of the United States Space Coast https://www.spaceforce.mil/
Official website of the United States National Guard https://www.nationalguard.mil/
Link to learn about: AMERICA’S WARS- ALL THE MAJOR WARS THAT UNITED STATES HAS FOUGHT
Citation for chart below: Kelly, Martin. (2020, February 11). American Involvement in Wars from Colonial Times to the Present. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/american-involvement-wars-colonial-times-present-4059761
“In addition to the named wars and conflicts listed below, members of the American military (and some civilians) have played small but active roles in many other international conflicts.”
| Dates | War in Which American Colonists orUnited States Citizens Officially Participated | Major Combatants |
| July 4, 1675 -August 12, 1676 | King Philip’s War | New England Colonies vs. Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Nipmuck Indians |
| 1689-1697 | King William’s War | The English Colonies vs. France |
| 1702-1713 | Queen Anne’s War (War of Spanish Succession) | The English Colonies vs. France |
| 1744-1748 | King George’s War (War of Austrian Succession) | The French Colonies vs. Great Britain |
| 1756-1763 | French and Indian War(Seven Years War) | The French Colonies vs. Great Britain |
| 1759-1761 | Cherokee War | English Colonists vs. Cherokee Indians |
| 1775-1783 | American Revolution | English Colonists vs. Great Britain |
| 1798-1800 | Franco-American Naval War | United States vs. France |
| 1801-1805; 1815 | Barbary Wars | United States vs. Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli |
| 1812-1815 | War of 1812 | United States vs. Great Britain |
| 1813-1814 | Creek War | United States vs. Creek Indians |
| 1836 | War of Texas Independence | Texas vs. Mexico |
| 1846-1848 | Mexican-American War | United States vs. Mexico |
| 1861-1865 | U.S. Civil War | Union vs. Confederacy |
| 1898 | Spanish-American War | United States vs. Spain |
| 1914-1918 | World War I | Triple Alliance: Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary vs. Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia. The United States joined on the side of the Triple Entente in 1917. |
| 1939-1945 | World War II | Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan vs. Major Allied Powers: United States, Great Britain, France, and Russia |
| 1950-1953 | Korean War | United States (as part of the United Nations) and South Korea vs. North Korea and Communist China |
| 1960-1975 | Vietnam War | United States and South Vietnam vs. North Vietnam |
| 1961 | Bay of Pigs Invasion | United States vs. Cuba |
| 1983 | Grenada | United States Intervention |
| 1989 | US Invasion of Panama | United States vs. Panama |
| 1990-1991 | Persian Gulf War | United States and Coalition Forces vs. Iraq |
| 1995-1996 | Intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina | United States as part of NATO acted peacekeepers in former Yugoslavia |
| 2001 | Invasion of Afghanistan | United States and Coalition Forces vs. the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to fight terrorism. |
| 2003 | Invasion of Iraq | United States and Coalition Forces vs. Iraq |
~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Originally posted as Tribute on Memorial Day 2017 | Updated 2/2024 | Rachael M Colby, Tattoo It On Your Heart
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© 2017, 2018, 2024 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On Your Heart
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