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MELODIE PHELPS News Editor Raised high in the air, 103 small flames pierced the darkness Sunday evening, as the group of nearly 1,000 local residents prayed for members of Battery C. The vigil was held on the lawn of the National Guard Armory, hours before the first group of local guard members were scheduled to depart Ft. Dix, New Jersey. The candlelight vigil was the end of a touching ceremony, held inside the Armory before a standing-room only crowd. Special music and prayer was held throughout the event. ³We are gathered in a celebration of freedom,² said Pastor Keith McKim as he welcomed the large crowd. The Wayne County JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, and Pastor Chuck Barrett presented a tribute to the flag. Jeff Bertram sang the National Anthem and the Community choir sang ³The Battle Hymn of the Republic.² Barrett also spoke to family members of the guard members who were among the audience. ³This community loves you and is concerned about you...We want to be part of your life,² he stated. Members of the audience then filed outside near the flagpole area and lit candles. One-hundred and three extra candles were handed out to be lit and held high to represent the men of Battery C. Brother Harlan Ogle read the names of members of the unit and then offered a prayer for them and their families. Shellie Bertram, a member of the Family Support Group for Battery C, organized the event, and she noted that many different people and organizations volunteered their help to make the ceremony a success. ³I would like to extend a very special thank you to everyone that participated in the candlelight service for Battery C,² stated Bertram. ³This is a very hard time for all of the family members but the outpouring of support from the community was definitely uplifting and comforting.² ³I would like to especially thank the pastors from all of the churches that asked their congregation to assemble at the Armory,² added Bertram. ³It was wonderful to see so many people take such pride in these men and our community.² The first group of soldiers from Battery C was originally slated to fly out of Ft. Dix late Sunday night, but several family members received word during the ceremony that inclement weather had delayed that departure until Monday morning. No official announcement has been made as to when Battery C will actually be in Iraq. Reader Comments Heather (1/26/2005) My fiance' Derrick is in Kuwait w/ the unit from Monticello. I miss him so much. I am praying that all of them will return home safely. I am going to show my support all that I possibly can. Add a comment |
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