Joshua at The Western Confucian points out that today is both the Feast of St. Martin of Tours and Veteran's Day. Interesting coincidence, as St. Martin was a Roman soldier and a veteran. After becoming a Christian, he sought to resign his commission but was refused by his commander. Therefore he offered to stand unarmed at the front line. The barbarian enemy miraculously laid down their arms and fled. He was then permitted to leave the army and eventually became Bishop of Tours, France.
St. Martin of Tours most-remembered good work happened before he became a Christian, when he offered half his cloak to a poor beggar. That night, Christ appeared to him in a dream wearing the half-cloak.
Martin was the first non-martyr to be canonized a saint. Two thousand monks and nuns attended his funeral. He is a patron saint of France, as well as the cities of Wurtburg and Buenos Aires, and his shrine became one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Europe.
As befits a Roman soldier, he was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. However, his name is now one of the most popular Christian names, being adopted in every Catholic country, even as a surname. (St. Thérèse of Lisieux's last name was Martin.) To this day, he receives much personal devotion from the faithful. Countless homes, shops and churches throughout the world are adorned with his image.
