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With Respect And Gratitude: We Honor Our Veterans

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Driving down the streets last week, one could see American flags everywhere. They dotted Highway 17, were placed around roundabouts, and hung outside homes in honor of Veterans Day, a day to honor the men and women who served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Each year the PCA community - across the ages - joins the nation in honoring these heroes. Here's a look at how we celebrated these brave men and women.

Mike Doll, PCA's Band Director, took his 9th grade class to Somerby Senior Living center where the students played a selection of patriotic themed songs.

Xylophone and bells player Bella Davenport was moved by the reaction of the residents. “We played six patriotic songs including the Marches of the Armed Forces. The reactions on their faces were so happy. I could hear them singing the words to the songs. It was so heartwarming to see the joy we were bringing them. When we played the armed forces, all the veterans either stood or raised their hand for their song. Everyone was clapping and cheering for them. It was a moment I will never forget. Mr. Doll asked if there were any WWII veterans in the room; at least five people raised their hands. It was a remarkable experience and I’m so happy that we got to bring joy to them on Veterans Day.”

Kindergarten Talk With a Veteran

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Mary Jane Watson’s kindergarten class welcomed Chad Wray - a retired Marine Corps Veteran, former PCA student, and father to current kindergartner Maddie Wray - to share his experience while serving in Iraq.

“It is important for children to learn at a young age what service and sacrifice mean,” Wray said. “Whether that means joining the military, serving the local community, going into missions, or taking care of your family." 

Wray said Veterans Day is important because only through the sacrifices of our men and women in the military are we able to ensure our freedom. Wray brought memorabilia from his time overseas including pictures, his uniform, and even a letter that ECBC’s own Pastor Buster wrote to him while he was away. 

“I wanted the children to know that I was never alone in the military or during deployment because Jesus was with me in my heart and that Jesus loves them. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose again and is alive today. When we pray and invite Jesus to live in our hearts, he is alive in us. When Jesus is in your heart no matter what happens, where you go, or how you feel, He is always there with you. There is nothing you or anyone else can do to make Him leave you.”

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