Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
May 5, 2008 – 6:00 amYesterday we had a very special event at our church – Salem United Church of Christ in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. We dedicated a plaque to those who have died while serving in the military since World War II. Salem is a relatively small church but two of our young men have died in Iraq.
Bart was a Corporal in the Marines. He died August 26, 2004 from injuries received due to enemy action. Colby, a first lieutenant in the Army, died May 3, 2007 when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle. Present in the congregation were the parents of another Marine, Travis, who was also a first lieutenant. He died April 29, 2007 from enemy sniper fire.
The day was a day for remembering. An opportunity was provided for church members to honor relatives and friends who have served in any of our wars. Names were listed in the bulletin of soldiers and sailors from the American Revolution through the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and into the present. One of our World War II veterans took part in the dedication, and all of the veterans in attendance were presented with a red carnation.
Along with many of our military people serving in Iraq, Colby was concerned with the plight of the civilians, particularly children, living in desperate situations. Through friends, churches, and schools here in this country, he collected toys and clothing for children living in an orphanage. His sister, Casey, and her fiancé Mike, who is now stationed in Iraq, are carrying on this same loving care. Our church members responded to their request for children’s used shoes for the many children who run barefoot through the streets in bitter cold weather and in scalding hot weather. Many boxes of shoes will be on their way to Iraq within the week.
We regret the need to honor these young men and we share in their families’ great loss.
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