Fennville Memorial Day @ Cemetery

Welcome, I am Pastor Keith from Fennville Assembly of God - The church right over here next to the cemetery. I am thankful that the local VFW organizes and sponsors this event each year and I am look forward to hearing the Band play another song and a special presentation by one of our very own Fennville graduates.

I am also thankful for you. Today you are participating with millions of Americans across the country who are pausing - - just like we are to remind ourselves that our freedom has a cost. There are over 1.3 Million Americans who have given their life while serving in the United States armed forces. Today we remember them and the cost they and their family gave so that we can be free.

We remember that these men and women who died while serving were - someones children, someones brother or sister, someones husband or wife, someones Mom or Dad and have lot of extend family members. Perhaps you - or someone standing near you is living without a someone who gave their life for your freedom. Today we pause to honor those who deserve to be honored.

Let’s Pray:

Jesus you gave us the perfect example of laying ones life down for another. Today I pray that we would feel the Holy Spirit working in our lives and the lives of others to honor and respect those who have paid a price for us. We know Lord that you know and that you see and understand everyone situation today. You see those who are hurting and those who are proud. You know and see those who may feel numb or not know how to feel in this moment, but YOU O Lord know and hear each one of us. I pray that you will see our desire to love and honor others and give us the grace we need today. Thank you Jesus that care for us and we ask that you would help us care well for others.

In your name we pray, Amen.

Now we will hear the Fennville marching band play ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’

We are pleased to welcome as our Memorial Day speaker, Madison McAllister, a 2023 Fennville High School graduate and recipient of this years VFW scholarship, she plans of attending Grand Rapids Community College in the fall, to focus on pre med.

Honoring those who have sacrificed for us reminds us how each and everyday is an opportunity to live well. To say it another way - Nothing is more life giving than recognizing that others have given us the opportunity to be free and live with open hands to others. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of giving His life for you and me. Because Jesus died on the cross and 3 days later rose from the dead to proved freedom not only for this life, but also the life to come. I know that many of the 1.3 million men and women who died believed in Jesus and they follow His example of living in such a way that others can benefit. Today I pray that each of us will use our freedoms for the benefit of others.

Let’s Pray:

Father thank you that we are free. Thank you that the Bible shows us how to live. Thank you that so many soldiers have not only read how to live but followed your son and lived the best they could serving and giving to others. Today as a community we are grateful and want to live a greatful life. It is in your name we pray amen.

Now we will observe a gun salute provided by the veterans from the VFW Post 7911 and VFW Post 6134. And our Service will conclude with echo taps played by Samuel Balder and Anthony Martinez.