Community Celebration for Local Veterans
On Sunday, November 9, the NAACP- Montgomery Co – Radford City – Floyd Co Branch presented its annual Veteran’s Day celebration at the Asbury United Methodist Church, Christiansburg, Virginia. Approximately 18 Veterans and 72 guests attended. Mr. Samuel Bishop, Armed Forces and Veterans Committee Co-Chair, welcomed everyone to the program.
Following the Posting of the Colors by Christiansburg High School Corps of Cadets, (Jordyn Robinson, Benjamin Eckstein, Kyler Strong, Tegan Whitlock, Trey DeCosta & Madolin Hernandez), a procession of area Veterans entered, and all were seated at the front of the church. All present sang The National Anthem in their honor.
Mr. Bishop, a former Army Sergeant, welcomed everyone to the Commemorative Program. The Invocation and Memorial Tribute were delivered by Rev. Lance Presley, Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church. With the Armed Forces Medley playing, Veterans were asked to stand as their military branch was called. Afterward, military family members were recognized.
Ms. Kathryn King, Co-Chair of the Veterans committee, expressed the program purpose. Immediately after, Mr. Melvin Palmer, President of the NAACP Youth Council, read a poem in which he addressed the Veterans “with Blessings and Gratitude.” Mrs. Connie Teele then presented an original poem she had written for the occasion praising Veterans and saying, “To be honored is only right!” Ms. King called for the offering, assisted by ushers Mr. David B. Travis, Jr and Ms. Karen E. Jones. The funds collected will be allocated to the Armed Forces/ Veterans Committee and its work. Branch treasurers, Dr. Jill Stewart and Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop reported $ 321 collected that will benefit the Veterans.
Soloist, Ms. Denise Smith, accompanied by pianist Dr. Glen Holmes, provided a musical tribute to the Veterans that was enjoyed by all.
Branch President Deborah H. Travis introduced the speaker Mr. Andre’ Peery and his speech, “We are Not Done Yet.” Mr. Peery, a Salem, Virginia native, served in the US Air Force as a Staff Sargeant and as an Electronic Warfare Equipment Systems Analyst, with two Air Medals for combat missions in Vietnam. He is Vice-Commander of American Legion Post 111 and was also Quartermaster of VFW Post 10840. He is a dedicated volunteer and is past District Governor of the Lions of Virginia District 24 C. He also works with the Boy Scouts of America in Franklin County. All his volunteerism were too numerous to share all. Mr. Peery shared many of his experiences in the U. S. Airforce. He emphasized that once he returned home from Vietnam, his service was not over. Helping Veterans get benefits and addressing Veteran suicide are critical needs and he got involved and is continuing that work today. He reminded the Veterans to stay active in their communities. He urged and inspired all present to work for the benefit of their communities in any way they can because this is how “being free becomes a reality.”
Following Peery’s speech of honor and encouragement to the Veterans, President Travis thanked and presented him with an appreciation award and gift on behalf of the NAACP Montgomery Co. – Radford City – Floyd Co. Branch. Travis then delivered closing remarks again thanking the Veterans for their service and encouraging the Veterans and others to join the Branch’s Armed Services and Veterans Affair Committee as we advocate for Veterans benefits and rights.
Rev. Lance Presley delivered the benediction and then the CHS color guard retired the colors. The program closed with a recessional of the Veterans, and a celebratory meal and conversation in the Church fellowship hall.
(photos by Mr. Joe Pack)
