May 24, 2006

Memorial Day Thanks

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together.  After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in first class across from me, and inquired if he was heading home.  "No," he responded.  "Heading out?" I asked. "No, I'm escorting a soldier home."  "Going to pick him up?"  "No.  He is with me right now.  He was killed in Iraq.  I'm taking him home to his family."

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut.  It was an honor for him.  He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had to deliver the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.  I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, "Thank you.  Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do."

Upon landing in Chicago, the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom:  "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight.  He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family.  I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier.  We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested.  I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.  So here's a public "thank you" to our military men and women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

Stuart Margel, Washington, DC

The above photo of another fallen soldier, 2^nd Lt. James Cathey, is courtesy of Todd Heisler. 

Memorial Day Weekend...At Fr. Derek's request, Beloved's Tom Friend, an Air Force Major who recently returned from Iraq, will offer a special presentation in honor of Memorial Day immediately following Sunday worship on May 28^th.  Tom is a gentle man of deep integrity and a trusting faith in the Lord Jesus.  We are honored by his willingness to share on this special weekend...Crown Memorial Park in Pineville will once again host its Memorial Day Observance and free picnic beginning at 11am on Monday.  Participants are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 and stay afterwards for the wonderful food and displays.  This is a great family-friendly event for this important day of national remembrance. 

A Pilgrims Retreat is scheduled for Saturday morning, June 3 (9-Noon) for those adults who have previously made their adult profession of faith (by baptism, confirmation or adult profession) in a denomination other than the Episcopal Church who desire to become participating "official members of record" of Church of the Beloved.  For those that choose to join Beloved, they will be presented to a visiting retired bishop on Sunday, June 11 during regular morning worship.  If you are interested in exploring this option, please email the Development Office to reserve your spot in the group that gathers on June 3.  For those who made their adult profession of faith (by the sacrament of Confirmation) in the Episcopal Church and who desire to become a participating "official member of record" of Church of the Beloved, please contact Clifford at the Development Office and she'll handle the paperwork for you.  Church of the Beloved needs 100 adult members in order to be considered for parish status; please prayerfully consider taking this step on your spiritual journey.

Serving at God's Altar this Sunday...Angel Army Team 1 (Captain: Wes Nichols; Administrator: Julie Haarstick; Pastor: Catherine Atwood; Convener: Toni Reif); Acolytes: Carson King, Raquanza Miller, Caley Scheppegrell, Emily Scheppegrell, Nykeria Thomas; Reader: Paige Wilson; Presenters: The Wes Nichols Family; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Betsy Fox, Mary Reid; Offertory Basket Passers: Joey Haarstick, Madison Haarstick, Clare Harbin, J.R. West; PowerPoint: Cyteria Knight.

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