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The American Legion, Sons of the
American Legion, and American Legion Auxiliary of Emden held their
annual Memorial Day service at Bethel Church on Sunday. The humidity
was settling in on Bethel Ridge after the early morning rains. The
church welcomed community members to pay tribute to fallen service
members.
After the presentation of colors,
Legion Commander Mike Kavanaugh greeted the congregation, and Pastor
Keith Ray provided the Invocation. Then, Commander Kavanaugh led the
group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “The
Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” accompanied by
Cheryl Baker. A Memorial Day message was delivered by Pastor Ray,
who emphasized that our country must remember that the government
does not grant our rights. Our rights as humans were granted by God,
and our government is in place to protect those rights and freedoms.
Pastor Ray reflected on the words of Lord Byron, Martin Luther King
Jr., and Ronald Reagan. He told the story of two World War II
soldiers who were friends. They had enlisted together, trained
together, and were fighting together. They also died together as one
soldier ran into the crossfire to retrieve his wounded friend, who
was wounded himself. Reflecting on the 250 years of the United
States of America, Ray encourages us to go forward with love and to
protect the democracy so that it may protect our God-given rights.
After Ray’s inspiring words, the
congregation sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America”.
Pastor Ray gave the Benediction, and Commander Kavanaugh invited
guests outside. Once outside, overlooking Bethel Cemetery, Auxiliary
President Betty Gail Wagner recited a dedication to the fallen
service members, and she and Commander Kavanaugh laid a wreath on
the memorial stone.
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The Legion and Sons of the Legion
then paid tribute with a rifle salute. After the three-volley
salute, “Taps” was played. Several people remained in front of the
church or walked through the cemetery to reflect.
Bethel Church Memorial Day Service photo slide show
Bethel Church Memorial Day Service videos
[Joli Boerma Crane]
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