A service of recognition and honor for all members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, both past and present, as well as all veterans will be held Sunday, November 9 at 7 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, Tyrone.
As one of a continuing series of such services honoring our military veterans, it was felt with the recent deployment of a brigade-sized unit from Pennsylvania, honoring the “Guard” at this time was most appropriate, said the Rev. Barry Neal.
Pastor Neal said, “Without glorifying conflicts in which they or other veterans have been involved, the church seeks to recognize their sacrifices for God ad Country.”
Karla Davis, PA Community Team Leader for Soldiers’ Angels, said the group will have two blankets on display. Persons attending may write a message or just sign their names on the blankets, which the National Guard members will take with them when they are deployed after the Christmas holidays.
Davis will also have boxes of Christmas cards for persons to write to sign and write messages to the soldiers that will go with them when they are deployed. There will also be coloring books and crayons for children to use to send their artwork along.
Everyone is encouraged to come early and sign the cards and blankets.
The Honorable Samuel E. Hayes, Jr., Vietnam veteran, former Pennsylvania House Majority Whip and Secretary of Agriculture, will be the speaker for the evening.
Hayes and his wife Betty have two sons serving in the military. They include Lt. Col. Samuel Hayes III and Lee Hayes, a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Both young men will be heading overseas shortly.
Representative Jerry Stern will also be participating as well as National Guard support groups. The evening will include special music, including taped recordings of the 28th Division Band.
Pete Hedberg will sing two selections accompanied at the piano by Anna Myers. The Rev. Dick Shildt will play several patriotic numbers on the piano prior to the service and Tom Naperkoski will play “Taps.”
Everyone is welcome to the service located on the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and 14th St.
