Memorial Day Observance

We began our Memorial Day Observance Sunday morning at church as we recognized and honored eight men (one posthumously: Bro. Earl Kornmiller) for their service to our country. Here they are, pictured below:

I also made a multi-media presentation, showing pictures of each one in their military uniforms and dress, which they had given to me. It was very moving, as we honored them. The Sunday School children came marching into the sanctuary, each carrying a small flag and singing and later each veteran was presented with a framed picture of themselves in uniform.

Bro. Harry Scism, former director of Home Missions for the UPC, spoke at our morning service. He shared his experience as an missionary's child when his parents went to India, and then being a missionary to India himself. His son, Stanley, is a missionary to India presently. Bro. Scism told us that each time he has returned to the United States, he never ceases to be filled with such gratitude for the blessings of being an American and living in this wonderful country. He spoke to us from Micah 6:8 "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? "What doth the Lord require of thee?" was the title of his message. Bro. Scism is such a gracious and godly man. It was truly a pleasure to finally meet him after all of these years of seeing his photo in various UPC publications. His daughter, Loretta, moved to our area several months ago and has her own medical practice here now.
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Last night, as we did not have service at our church, Ed, me, Daniel and Erin went to Mt. Vernon and were in service at Pastor Kramer's church, Christian Apostolic. My, but we had a wonderful time, seeing so many friends and visiting and worshipping with them. AND Daniel and Erin had a wonderful surprise, because after service, Heather (Wilkinson) and her husband, Dave showed up! They are great friends but don't get to see eachother very often because they live quite a distance apart and life is busy and so on. They went to a local restaurant to eat afterwards and fellowship, while Ed and I stayed and joined in a graduation celebration for a young lady from the Mt. Vernon church that was being held in the church gym. We did have a great time visiting with everyone! It was the church's 53rd anniversary and Pastor Kramer spoke of his vision for the church. It was inspiring, to say the least!
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We slept in a bit this morning (8AM), as we didn't get to bed until almost midnight. We had to go to Walmart and get a few groceries and did we ever see so many people that we hadn't seen forever! Well, besides Pastor and Sis. Martin, that is! *smile* It was wonderful catching up and visiting and so on! BUT we had to get home so I could make a couple of strawberry dream pies, as we were going to Daniel's in-laws at two for a cookout. Soooooo, we tore ourselves away from Walmart and visiting, got home, I made the pies and we headed to Pat and Lew's. We had a great time visiting and eating some deeeeeeeeeeelicious food! Later, we all gathered outside and many of them played cornhole, while me and a couple of others observed. It was a beautiful day, albeit a bit warm at times. It started raining around 5:30, so everyone gathered things up and headed inside for dessert, while Ed and I said our goodbyes and headed home. We've had a relaxing evening here at home and I know that I am truly blessed with wonderful family, friends and this great country that I am privileged to live in.