Cooper honored at St. Marks veterans celebration

INDIANTOWN—The Highest Call-Resolve in the midst of sacrifice was the theme during the Annual Veterans Day Program Nov 8 at Greater St. Mark A.M.E. Church in the Indiantown Community of Hemingway. 

Members paid their respect to veterans and during a special worship service.

Hemingway High School JROTC under the direction of Major Edward Holmes presented the colors, sang the National Anthem and led the congregation in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Reverend Michael J. Frost, a veteran himself, delivered the morning message and the choir sang gospel songs.  Several readings on the purpose of Veterans Day, recognitions and thanks were expressed to veterans by church members, were also shared. A candle was lit and two miniature U.S. flags laid on a small table, a moment of silent observed in memory of those veteran who gave their lives for our freedom.

Reverend Frost and veteran Harmon Cooper, Jr. presented the Greater St. Mark A.M.E. Veteran Excellent Service Award to Mr. Cooper, who is the oldest living veteran of the church. An Excellent Service Award also was presented to Veteran Emmit Joe Eaddy of Johnsonville.

According to Cooper, program coordinator,  the church members honored and recognized veterans as courageous men and women who accepted the highest call, faced hardship, bear scars seen and unseen and died while fighting to protect our freedom, rights, life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.