[This article was submitted by Stella Naulo]
As Thanksgiving approaches, across posts, garrisons, and forward operating bases, chaplains and religious affairs specialists of the U.S Army Chaplain Corps are preparing to celebrate this special day with Soldiers wherever they serve. In chapels adorned with flags and prayer, in dining facilities where teams come together as Family, and even in remote corners of the world, it is a time to unite around the blessings of liberty, unity, and faith. The simple act of gathering, whether in person or in spirit, reminds us that America’s strength comes from the moral character and gratitude of those who serve.
Thanksgiving has always been a uniquely American tradition, born from perseverance and unity. From the first harvest celebration to the prayers offered by Soldiers on battlefields throughout history, gratitude has been a thread that runs through our Nation’s story. For the Army Chaplain Corps, Thanksgiving is not confined to a season; it is a story of faith that strengthens the soul and unites the Army Family across every place they serve. It resounds in the voices of Soldiers praying before a mission. It is told by the Families in letters of love and encouragement across oceans. It is felt in the embrace of communities as they welcome home those who have served.
Gratitude, faith, and prayer are inseparable, guiding Soldiers and Families through every challenge. Gratitude serves as a compass, quietly pointing the way and revealing the blessings that shape our journey. Faith shines brightly like the North Star, lighting the path when the road ahead is uncertain. And prayer unfolds like a map, tracing each step, helping us navigate the trials of service and everyday life. Together, these practices provide direction to strengthen the resolve and sustain the Army Family in peace and in hardship.
Chaplains journey alongside Soldiers and Families every day, offering care and encouragement through prayer. At Thanksgiving, this presence takes on a deeper meaning as the Army Family pauses to reflect on the blessings of the past year and give thanks for God and Country. When we give thanks, we remember that freedom is never free, and we honor those who have carried its weight with quiet courage and steadfast devotion.
As Chaplain John Hubbs reminds us, gratitude often requires intentional reflection:
“We go through our lives, and we’re just busy doing everything. Some people call it the tyranny of the urgent. And because of that, we don’t remember the things that we have the most to be thankful for, those things that are always there, but we just don’t think about them. Don’t worry about whether the cranberry sauce is placed perfectly on the table or not, but remember all those things you have that are most important to be thankful for.”
His words invite every Soldier and Family member to recognize the blessings that are often overlooked, the enduring constants of faith and service that sustain us.
In this spirit, Thanksgiving invites Soldiers and Families to reflect on and practice the many ways gratitude can be lived. Every thoughtful gesture and act of service sends a quiet signal of care, inspiring others to do the same. Helping a neighbor, supporting a fellow Soldier, or offering words of encouragement strengthens the bonds that sustain the Army Family and the Nation. Each expression of gratitude honors the freedoms we defend and the values we hold, and in giving thanks, we create a ripple of hope and service that extends far beyond ourselves. Each ripple contributes to a larger story, one that fills the Army with purpose and reflects the pride of the Chaplain Corps in standing with Soldiers and Families.
The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps gives thanks for the extraordinary men and women who serve our Nation. From the earliest sunrise on American soil to distant lands where Soldiers stand watch, Thanksgiving reminds us that we are one people, bound together under a single flag, led by gratitude, faith, and prayer. Whether you are home with your Family or serving abroad, may the spirit of this day inspire every heart in the Army Family, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Hubbs shares an encouraging word for Thanksgiving.
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