The rousing sound of Reveille will awaken parishioners to the call of saluting the nation’s veterans Saturday, May 26 at 7 p.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church.
Reveille will begin the church’s patriotic service with host pastor, the Rev. Barry Neal.
“We invite the public to come and share in an evening dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served, or are serving in the Armed Forces,” Reverend Neil said. Their families are encouraged to accompany their service men and women.
World War II veteran Luther \”Luke\” D. McCartney of Bellwood who recently observed his 90th birthday (May 18) will be attending the service. A short film will be shown about the ship, the USS President Coolidge, on which McCartney was serving when it went down off the shores of the Hebrides Islands in the Pacific. A luxury liner prior to the war, the President Coolidge was the tenth US transport sunk during wartime.
On the morning of October 26, 1942, an explosion struck the fire room and was soon followed by another explosion in the engine room – the ship was mortally wounded. Only three men on board the transport ship were lost when she sank in the east entrance of the Segond Channel at Espiritu Santo in 20 fathoms of water.
McCartney was one of the nearly 5,000 officers and men on board who escaped. He will be presented with citations from the offices of Representatives Rick A. Geist and Jerry A. Stern.
“Our World War II veterans have already shown their patriotism by fighting during the war. They have shown what loyalty and love of country truly is,” Stern said. “Our younger generation needs to learn from these men and women.”
Rep. Jerry A. Stern also will present the church with a new flag to be flown, along Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street.
Tyrone Borough will also will honor McCartney with a certificate respectfully acknowledging his service.
Church organist Anna Myers will play music representing the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and the Coast Guard. Persons attending will stand in recognition of their loved ones who served in those various branches.
Along with Pastor Neal, others participating in the program will be Rev. Richard Shildt and Rev. Bernie Bookhammer. The program will also include the singing of several patriotic hymns, and the Rev. Norman Huff singing, “I\’m Just a Flag Waving American” by John Peterson. The service will conclude with the bittersweet sounds of Taps played by trumpeter Chip Dillon.
“We hope everyone will raise their voices in singing some of the hymns,” Pastor Neil said. “This will be a joyous night to show your pride in America!”
