As you probably know today was Veteran’s Day. I closed the service today by showing a short video honoring all our veterans and then prayed for all those who are currently serving in the military and the families of those who paid the ultimate price in their service to our nation. I then had all the veterans in our church stand and then told everyone else to look around at those who were standing. As I dismissed the service I had the veterans remain standing where they were and told the rest of the congregation to go to our veterans and thank them individually. I have to say it was an extremely powerful moment. At the beginning of the service I shared a few thoughts about my dad (left) and Susan’s dad (right) who both served in the Navy in WWII. Susan’s dad, James Otey, left high school at age 17 to enlist in the Navy. In this picture he was probably 17 or 18 years old. When my dad enlisted he was already married with children. He was probably about 25 or 26 years old when this picture was taken. Thanks Dads and thanks to all the other veterans. (Thanks to David H. for the idea of posting our dad’s pictures)
November 12th, 2007 at 2:21 am
AWESOME service for the Veterans!! Especially my dad he was really moved. Those guys dont talk much aout it or they only tell you the good stuff. I am just glad he got out when he did or there may have never been an Obidah…..(small laugh he-he-he)
November 13th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
I agree with Green, it was very moving. We went to the Veteran’s Day parade last night. Compared to several years ago not many of our veteran’s from WW2 are left. Sad too. A great generation gone. I had one vet last night that actually hugged me and thanked me, of all people, just for taking his picture and remembering what they did. I in turn with tears in my eyes told him “Mr. Shephard, NO, Thank You very much.” and hugged him back. Too bad most our nation “won’t” except what an honor it is to serve our Country just so they can have a right to say whatever is on there mind.
November 14th, 2007 at 1:05 am
To both my Grandpa’s………..thank you for serving our country and fighting for the freedoms that we have today. I love you!!!
November 14th, 2007 at 9:10 am
History repeats itself and here we are again having our freedom threatened. The enemy is the same but the time and face has changed. Hitler was defeated because people saw his real agenda and recognized something had to be done. Thank you to our dads and to all who were willing then to fight for freedom.
And today there are those who recognize this same threat and are defending us with honor and self-sacrifice. I thank you and your families for standing for freedom with your lives not just with empty words. I thank you for placing a high value on freedom and the values and life it represents.