St. Mark's Church of Christ to host Armed Forces Appreciation Service
By Joey Pitchford
Published in News on November 9, 2017 5:50 AM
St. Mark's Church of Christ will hold its annual Armed Forces Appreciate Service Nov. 12 at 11 a.m., inviting military personnel both retired and active duty to come and be recognized.
Eddie Edwards, with St. Marks, said that the service is focused around the story of PFC Dan Bullock, the youngest American killed during the Vietnam War. Before the 15-year-old signed up for the Marine Corps, Edwards said, he and his family were members of St. Marks, and the church has its own memorial at the base of its marquee dedicated to Bullock's memory.
Each year, the service features a keynote speaker. This year's speaker will be Thomas Walker, president of Wayne Community College and Marine Corps veteran. Edwards said that the Marine Corps played a special part in having the road outside Elmwood Cemetery -- where Bullock is buried -- named in honor of the fallen soldier.
"All the people who were instrumental in getting that done, we're bringing them in," he said.
Edwards made it clear that anyone is welcome to take part in the service.
"Everyone is invited, regardless of their faith," he said. "Any military members are invited, active duty, retirees and veterans."
The event often attracts between 150 and 200 people in the congregation, Edwards said. He hopes to have a good turnout this year to honor those who have served and sacrificed.
"It's important so that we never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but also to recognize the people still out there fighting for our freedoms," he said.