Veterans Honored at Local Church
Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War joined together on Sunday, November 18, 2007 for a special service at the Hixson, Tennessee, Middle Valley Church of God. These special heroes were honored for their service to the United States of America. Veterans from the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy were honored. “Honoring Heroes” was the theme for the day as retired Navy Chaplain (Commander), and Church of God Chaplains Commission member, Bobby Williams shared a message, “The Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” Williams challenged the congregation to not only honor these heroes but to find other veterans in their community giving them the honor due them. He also encouraged those gathered to remember that Jesus Christ voluntarily gave Himself for each of us.
Senior Pastor Mitch McClure presented special plaques to the families of four veterans who had passed away in the last year: Charles E. Delashmitt (U. S. Army, Military Police, WWII), William Holt (U.S. Army, Artillery, Korean Conflict), Grady Keasler (U. S. Navy, WWII), William Stewart (U.S. Army, Infantry, WWII, Battle of the Bulge). In addition to honoring these special heroes, each veteran present was presented a gift from the congregation. At three points in the presentations, the congregation rose to their feet giving these heroes a standing ovation. One highlight of the service was the story of Louis Erwin, a survivor of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Erwin spoke of going down with the ship, watching friends die at sea. He is one of the last remaining survivors of this tragic event of WWII. Another highlight of the service was the story of James Nelson, a Combat Engineer, who was the fourth man on Omaha Beach in the Normandy Invasion. Nelson’s story includes images of the horror of that event. He was the only survivor of these first four invaders.
Senior Pastor Mitch McClure said, “We must honor these veterans. They are our heroes. War was thrust upon them. Their lives were at stake to defend this nation. The very fact that we are able to worship freely today is partially a result of their efforts.”
To learn more about the Church of God Chaplains Commission Chaplaincy Programs, visit the Chaplains Commission website at: www.cogchaplains.com.
