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CELEBRATE AMERICA
Jun 25, 2009
CELEBRATE AMERICA
By Amy Beets, people@laurelleadercall.com
June 23, 2009 11:36 pm
— The Laurel YWCO held its ninth annual Celebrate America luncheon Tuesday and welcomed more than 300 guests to the “God and Country” event.
“This event is one of the best things Laurel and Jones County does as a patriotic program that celebrates America and honors those who have served and are currently serving in the military for this great nation,” said Katie Pryor, who along with Ann Martineau were co-chairs of the event.
This year’s theme was the American Revolution, and guests enjoyed a delicious southern homestyle lunch of barbecued chicken, potato salad, baked beans, roll, apple crisp and tea and coffee. Servers included “Y” Teens and American Red Cross Volunteers. Patrons were surrounded by red, white and blue decorations, American flags and a backdrop of George Washington crossing the Delaware River.
The Laurel Police Department gave the presentation of colors and Regent of the Tallahala Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lynell Holland, gave a presentation on the history of the American Flag.
Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack welcomed guests to Laurel and the pastor of First United Methodist Church of Laurel, Gene Hortman gave the invocation. Jones County Junior College Assistant Football Coach, Brad Griffin gave an uplifting performance of “Amazing Grace”. Afterwards, men and women who are currently serving and have served in the military were recognized, as well as the mothers and wives of veterans.
Pryor also recognized children under age 12 who attended the event and thanked them for their support and attention.
Heather Chisholm, 8, attended the event with her grandmother, Jean Wade.
“My grandmother wanted me to attend,” said Chisholm. “I wanted to see what is was all about and learn more about my country.”
Patrons enjoyed a visual presentation of “A Nation Under God”, a performance of “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Kent Miller, minister of music/education at West Ellisville Baptist Church and “America the Beautiful.” Miller also led the crowd in the singing of our National Anthem.
A special addition to the program was the release of 21 white doves representing our prayers and remembering those who have served this great nation. Robert Fennell, minister of music at First Baptist Church in Ellisville, played “Taps”. Rev. Justin Stodghill of Ellisville Presbyterian Church, a retired captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, gave the benediction.
The doves were supplied by Dr. Rod and Vivian Smith, of White Dove Releases.
— The Laurel YWCO held its ninth annual Celebrate America luncheon Tuesday and welcomed more than 300 guests to the “God and Country” event.
“This event is one of the best things Laurel and Jones County does as a patriotic program that celebrates America and honors those who have served and are currently serving in the military for this great nation,” said Katie Pryor, who along with Ann Martineau were co-chairs of the event.
This year’s theme was the American Revolution, and guests enjoyed a delicious southern homestyle lunch of barbecued chicken, potato salad, baked beans, roll, apple crisp and tea and coffee. Servers included “Y” Teens and American Red Cross Volunteers. Patrons were surrounded by red, white and blue decorations, American flags and a backdrop of George Washington crossing the Delaware River.
The Laurel Police Department gave the presentation of colors and Regent of the Tallahala Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lynell Holland, gave a presentation on the history of the American Flag.
Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack welcomed guests to Laurel and the pastor of First United Methodist Church of Laurel, Gene Hortman gave the invocation. Jones County Junior College Assistant Football Coach, Brad Griffin gave an uplifting performance of “Amazing Grace”. Afterwards, men and women who are currently serving and have served in the military were recognized, as well as the mothers and wives of veterans.
Pryor also recognized children under age 12 who attended the event and thanked them for their support and attention.
Heather Chisholm, 8, attended the event with her grandmother, Jean Wade.
“My grandmother wanted me to attend,” said Chisholm. “I wanted to see what is was all about and learn more about my country.”
Patrons enjoyed a visual presentation of “A Nation Under God”, a performance of “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Kent Miller, minister of music/education at West Ellisville Baptist Church and “America the Beautiful.” Miller also led the crowd in the singing of our National Anthem.
A special addition to the program was the release of 21 white doves representing our prayers and remembering those who have served this great nation. Robert Fennell, minister of music at First Baptist Church in Ellisville, played “Taps”. Rev. Justin Stodghill of Ellisville Presbyterian Church, a retired captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, gave the benediction.
The doves were supplied by Dr. Rod and Vivian Smith, of White Dove Releases.
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