Community Celebration for Veterans Day

On Sunday, November 8, the NAACP -Montgomery Co – Radford City – Floyd Co Branch presented its annual Veterans Day celebration at the Asbury United Methodist Church, Christiansburg, Virginia. Approximately 15 Veterans with close to one hundred guests attended. Mr. Samuel Bishop, retired Sergeant FC, U.S. Army and NAACP branch Veterans Committee opened the ceremony. The Posting of the Colors by the Christiansburg High School Corps of Cadets followed, (Jordyn Robinson, Benjamin Eckstein, Kyler Strong, Eric Galloway, Trey DeCosta & Laken Kennedy. The procession of area Veterans entered, and all were seated at the front of the church. The Black National Anthem was opening song.

Mr. David B. Travis, Jr., Branch Legal Redress Chair, welcomed everyone to the Commemorative Program. Travis called out each branch of the armed forces as Veterans stood. The Invocation and Memorial Tribute were delivered by Rev. Darlene Mitchell, Pastor, New Beginnings Fountain of Life of Pulaski, VA.

Ms. Ayva Haley, President of the NAACP MRF Youth Council, read a poem called “Legacy of a Veteran” in which she urged recognizing Veterans “with grateful hearts.” Rev. Darlene Mitchell then presented an original poem calling for justice for all Veterans. Also, in honor of the Veterans, Mr. Scott Ainslie, of Cattail Music, Floyd VA, played the guitar and sang his original song, “Rice Grows Again in Vietnam”.

Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, Assistant Treasurer, called for the offering and received $ 405 that would be used for the Veteran support programs.  During the collection, all sang “America the Beautiful”, played by Mrs. Renee Lima.

Branch President, Deborah H. Travis, introduced the speaker Dr. Brenda L. Hale, Retired, Sergeant First Class (E-7) U. S. Army and NAACP Roanoke Branch President. The theme of her speech was “Still standing, still serving, and still shining”.  Dr. Hale, a Roanoke, Virginia native, served in the US Army as Sergeant First Class, assisting military families and soldiers with financial planning and benefits. She is a licensed LPN and RN and worked in the medical field for several years prior to her retirement. Dr. Hale emphasized four points. First, remember the sacrifice – every day should be Veterans Day! Second, show strength through compassion, humility, and the willingness to serve. Third, rest in the Savior who supports us through our battles, both on foreign soil and at home. Fourth, reflect God’s glory through letting your light shine.

Following Hale’s speech of honor and encouragement to the Veterans, President Travis thanked and presented her with an appreciation award and gift on behalf of the Branch.  Travis then delivered closing remarks again thanking the Veterans for their service and encouraging the Veterans and others to join the Branch’s work and consider being a part of the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee as we advocate for Veterans benefits and rights.

Retired First Class Sergeant, Samuel Bishop, called for the CHS color guard to retire the colors. The program closed with a recessional of the Veterans, and a celebratory meal and conversation in the Church’s fellowship hall.

For more information, please visit www.mrfnaacp.org.