Coldwater Daily Reporter: Memorial service honors service men and women
September 13, 2016
To wrap up the weekend of celebrating Bronson's Sesquicentennial, a memorial service was held at the St. Mary's gymnasium with a community dinner following. Several distinguished guests spoke, honored veterans of the Vietnam War, and paid tribute to Bronson.
The service began with the procession of the flags by the Bronson American Legion Color Guard and the National Anthem performed by a representative group from the Bronson High School a Cappella Choir and the director, Jon Carrothers. An opening prayer was offered by Pastor Tim Rowland of the First Baptist Church.
Mayor Alicia Cole welcomed everyone to the service and introduced Representative Eric Leutheuser who presented her with a tribute from the state of Michigan. Senator Mike Shirkey honored the three Bronson men who made the ultimate sacrifice; Sgt. Harold Hoskins, Cpl. Allan Parks, and SPC 4 Clark Walker.
Congressman Tim Walberg presented the city with a copy of his speech that is included in the Congressional Record. He then conducted a pinning ceremony for all the Vietnam veterans present at the service. Each was publicly recognized and received a pin for the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War.
"It took 50 years but that's the welcome you should have received," Chuck Bell said, after the ceremony and a standing ovation.
He then recalled personal feelings which arose from the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.
The Bronson American Legion Rifle Co. performed a Rifle Salute and TAPS. The shells were given to the city in honor of the occasion.
Pastor Terry Siler shared some comments and thoughts about Bronson as he prayed and blessed the meal.
"What makes this community work is the giving of yourself," Siler said. "Nothing can be accomplished without a common goal. The route we may take is different but the destination is the same."
The program closed with the audience singing "God Bless America."
The community dinner was provided by the area churches.
This article originally appeared in the September 13 edition of the Coldwater Daily Reporter.
The service began with the procession of the flags by the Bronson American Legion Color Guard and the National Anthem performed by a representative group from the Bronson High School a Cappella Choir and the director, Jon Carrothers. An opening prayer was offered by Pastor Tim Rowland of the First Baptist Church.
Mayor Alicia Cole welcomed everyone to the service and introduced Representative Eric Leutheuser who presented her with a tribute from the state of Michigan. Senator Mike Shirkey honored the three Bronson men who made the ultimate sacrifice; Sgt. Harold Hoskins, Cpl. Allan Parks, and SPC 4 Clark Walker.
Congressman Tim Walberg presented the city with a copy of his speech that is included in the Congressional Record. He then conducted a pinning ceremony for all the Vietnam veterans present at the service. Each was publicly recognized and received a pin for the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War.
"It took 50 years but that's the welcome you should have received," Chuck Bell said, after the ceremony and a standing ovation.
He then recalled personal feelings which arose from the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.
The Bronson American Legion Rifle Co. performed a Rifle Salute and TAPS. The shells were given to the city in honor of the occasion.
Pastor Terry Siler shared some comments and thoughts about Bronson as he prayed and blessed the meal.
"What makes this community work is the giving of yourself," Siler said. "Nothing can be accomplished without a common goal. The route we may take is different but the destination is the same."
The program closed with the audience singing "God Bless America."
The community dinner was provided by the area churches.
This article originally appeared in the September 13 edition of the Coldwater Daily Reporter.
Issues:VeteransLocal Issues