Congregation celebrates veterans
PHOTO BY JEFF ROSLOW
The congregation of the First United Methodist Church lined up as 15 members of the military from the congregation came out of the church at Homeland Heritage Park Sunday during a ceremony honoring those who served. Shaking hands with those who lined up is Bartow City Commissioner Pat Huff. In front of him is Ken Allen.
PHOTO BY JEFF ROSLOW
With veterans sitting behind him that are in the congregation of the United Methodist Church sat behind A.J. Jackson who spoke during a church service at Homeland Heritage Park Sunday. Jackson served in the military from 1969-2006.
PHOTO BY JEFF ROSLOW
The names of 104 deceased veterans line Veterans Walk on South Broadway. This weekend flags marked the names. Also this weekend the name of the 105th veteran killed was discovered as the name of his hometown was misspelled by the National Archives. His name is Fred Richard Grover, who was killed in Vietnam on April 3, 1968.
The congregation from the First United Methodist Church Sunday held its services in the historic site at Homeland Heritage Park and while 15 congregation members who served in the military sat on the stage, Adm. Adrian Jackson recalled the sacrifice these men and those who never made it home made fighting to keep U.S. citizens free.
“Only one percent fight and they do so willingly so the other 99 percent of us can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” he said.
