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FUMC Holds Annual Veterans' Day Tribute |
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Written by Publisher
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Wednesday, 11 November 2009 |
Photo by Amy Geer
These seven gentlemen presented flags during Sunday's Veterans Day
Tribute at the First United Methodist Church of Kane. From left to
right are front row, Kevin Kost, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Tom
Cappello, brother of Cpl Dan Cappello of the USMC, who was killed in
action in Vietnam on December 6, 1967, and Bill Thompson, a member of
the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Reserves. Back row, from left to
right, E4 Specialist David Snyder, a veteran of the U.S. Army, Staff
Sgt Paul Swanson, a current member of the PA National Guard, U.S.
Coast Guard Veteran Bryan Morgan, and Jack Geer, who served as a
Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam, where he
was wounded.
The First United Methodist Church of Kane held its annual
Veterans Day Special Tribute on Sunday, November 8. Organizer Colleen
Lundeen welcomed those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as
those who came to honor them for their service. Lundeen asked those
in attendance to "enjoy the wonderful celebration of patriotism," and
to take the time to "lift up, encourage, and honor the brave veterans
of the greatest country in the world."
Bob Arnold, who served as a Corporal E-4 in the United States
Marine Corps from 1958-1961, read a poem entitled "Freedom Isn't Free"
that reminded the audience of the sacrifices made everyday by our
servicemen and women.
Following a poignant power point presentation and the singing of
"America the Beautiful," there was a presentation of the flags of the
different branches of the U.S. Armed Services. U.S. Air Force veteran
Keith Reigel presented the Christian Flag to begin the ceremony.
Reigel, a twenty year veteran, retired in 1990 after serving his
country in Vietnam, Italy, Germany, and various bases across the
United States.
The American Flag was carried by Staff Sergeant Paul Swanson of
the Pennsylvania National Guard. Swanson has been a member of the
Guards since 1987, and served in Kosovo from 2003-2004, in addition to
aiding in the recovery efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Tom Cappello carried the POW Flag in memory of his brother,
Corporal Daniel Cappello, who was killed in action on December 6, 1967
in Vietnam.
The United States Army Flag was presented by E4 Specialist David
Snyder, who served from 1993-2001 in Italy, Haiti, Costa Rica and
Jamaica, in addition to stateside posts.
Sgt Jack Geer presented the United States Marine Corps flag.
Geer served from 1967-1970 in Vietnam, where he was a member of the
Third Battalion, Ninth Marine Machine Gunners. Geer, who is currently
the Commander of the Mt Jewett American Legion, was wounded on
February 14, 1969.
The United States Navy Flag was presented by Bill Thompson.
Thompson is an active member of the Naval and Marine Corps Reserves,
currently holding the rank of Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class. Thompson
has been in the Reserves since 1984.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Morgan had the honor of presenting
the United States Coast Guard Flag. Morgan served from 2003-2008 in
New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, and Alaska.
The final flag to be presented was that of the U.S. Air Force.
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kost, who served in Raven 696 during Operation
Enduring Freedom, "provided security for generals in high threat
locations."
After a brief slide show, the FUMC Children's Choir, under the
direction of Lundeen and Donna Nelson, and accompanied by Debbie
Airgood and Kristi Gelsick, performed "American Tears." Staff Sgt Ken
Holmes was next to address the crowd, recognizing the veterans in
attendance, as well as family members of veterans.
Members of Boy Scout Troops 420,.422, and 427 participated in the
ceremony. An Honor Guard from Post 264 made the trip from Corry to
participate in the program. After "Taps" was played, C. Ian Campbell,
a bagpiper who served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958 led the
recession of flags.
Also participating in the music portion of the program were
Andrew Lake, on saxophone, Jamie Nowalk, on drums, and Brad Lundeen,
who played guitar and sang "Some Gave All."
FUMC Pastor David Lake and Lundeen have already begun
preparations for next year's tribute. The program was very well
received, and it was obvious to those in attendance that much time and
effort was put in to the program. It was equally obvious that it was
a labor of love. The organizers welcome the community to make plans
to attend next year's tribute.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 December 2009 )
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