On July 5, 2009, Woodbine Baptist Church hosted the third annual God Bless America Day. The celebration began at 9:00A.M., with guests examining photographs of local military personnel—past and present—and exploring the Combat Airmen/Joshua’s Troops memorabilia display in the Hall of Honor. There they also met and talked with Tuskegee Airman: Harvey Alexander, and Darby’s Ranger: Alexander Worth.

 

At 10:30A.M., participants moved into the sanctuary, where the National Guard Honor Guard, Readiness NCO, 1^st SSG Billy J. Hill led in the presentation of colors and folding of the flag. The program included special music by Sarah Pruitt, Tammy Oakley, and Charles Stovall. The Woodbine Church Choir sang an Armed Forces Medley, during which representatives of each branch of service followed their flag to the front of the auditorium as their theme song was performed. WW2 heroes Alexander, Worth, and Bataan Death March survivor, Conrad Alberty, were introduced (Mr. Alberty via video-tape) and honored with plaques commemorating their extraordinary service to our country. The sounding of a bell, rung by Lonnie Sechrist, followed Leanne Angell’s recognition of deceased military personnel.

 

Author Mary Nahas, The Journey of Private Galione, shared the story of her father’s war experiences and how they affected world history. Ellisboro Baptist Church Pastor, Darrell Brumfield, a chaplain in Iraq, brought an inspiring message from God’s Word. Before National Guardsmen led the exodus from the sanctuary, Taps was played, while  the sounds of a 21-gun salute were heard from outside the building. 

 

Church members and guests enjoyed an all-American lunch of hot dogs, apple pie and ice cream in the church fellowship hall. 

 

If you have any additional photos you would like to post from God Bless America Day 2009, please contact our Webservant, Jeremy Parker.