I started my Sunday morning standing on my front porch as I watched a convoy of police and sheriff vehicles, most with blue lights flashing, making their way to our Henry County Performing Arts Center to honor a kind officer who had lost his life in the line of duty. There were many caring souls lining the roadside as the parking lot began to fill up with those who had come to pay their respects. After nearly an hour, I saw a green truck with lights flashing and knew the visitation was about to start. But, it was time for me to head to church.

One of our dedicated veterans had lined the edge of Mt. Bethel’s lot with flying American flags, each bought in honor of someone who had served. As our service began, we stood with our hands over our hearts and recited the Pledge of Allegiance and saluted the big flag beside the pulpit. Our pastor then asked all those who had served to stand and we gave them a round of applause.

For the special music, we choir members started off with America (My Country Tis of Thee); we just sang the first and fourth verses though. Our pianist did a short little interlude as one of our talented gentleman invited those in the pews to stand and sing the next song with us. Of course they ALL knew the words to God Bless America! Our pastor then gave a warm sermon about some veteran memories. He did mention that according to the NY Times, the world has only been at peace about 8% of the time. That means that about 92% of the time there has been an active armed conflict going on somewhere in the world.

We ARE indeed blessed by all who have served, and that of course includes our hard-working law enforcement officers along with all the branches of the military. I still smile as I recall a kind veteran who was helping me file books at a new school in Locust Grove. The second day we were working together, I mentioned that we were handling the new books too many times. He agreed with me, and asked if I had military training. I smiled and said that actually I had been raised military. We went to the librarian and explained our faster method, she agreed, and we finished the project in no time! Working at Trust Company had taught me a lot of lessons I used and one of them is you handle incoming mail just once. You also arrive early for work! After I became a mortgage loan officer, I noticed that all of my military customers arrived early too. My loan processor was always delighted when I handed her a VA!

I had one more Sunday pleasure, and that was when I watched my recorded Dr. Charles Stanley morning message. His sermon was good, and at the end he invited his congregation to meet him at the altar and help him pray for our country. Interestingly enough, our pastor had already mentioned we were welcome to come down to the altar too. I can still recall laying my hand on that polished wood as I lifted prayer needs to our Father in heaven.

I DO pray every morning for all our heroes in uniforms, and add our kind doctors and nurses plus teachers, professors and bus drivers. My prayers go up every morning and every evening and that helps add to my warmth. I’m so blessed that I have always been a child of God, and knew it in my early years. Thanks for another warm Sunday!

Beverly Wittler has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She lives in McDonough.