Ceremony to honor those who serve

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November 3, 2008

BY MARY WICOFF The Commercial-News Mon Nov 03, 2008, 08:58 PM CST

DANVILLE — A patriotic program on Friday will salute women and men on the front lines — both in the military and in the public sector.

The first “Celebrate America,” from 7-9 p.m., is expected to draw a big crowd to the David S. Palmer Arena.

“We’re hoping we fill the place,” said Drew Mentzer, senior pastor at Second Church of Christ. “It’s going to be a feel-good type service.”

Second Church of Christ is sponsoring the event and it will open with prayer, but Mentzer said it will not be a church service. Mentzer will speak about what people can do to be good citizens.

The focus of the program will be to honor those who have served, either now or in the past, and to address what’s right about the United States.

Despite all the problems right now, he said, “There are good things about this country. We want to give a gift of encouragement and hope to people in our community.”

He added, “God has blessed America and we’re going to be celebrating that.”

Jose Velasquez, commander of Jewell Whyte Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 728, plans to attend the ceremony, along with members from other VFW posts around the area.

“Veterans need things like that in today’s world,” he said. “It’s a morale booster. People should be recognized for the contributions they make.”

Velasquez said it sounds like the event will be well-attended.

Vermilion County is known for its well-organized events to honor veterans, he said, adding, “We can steal Champaign’s thunder on this type of thing.”

Second Church of Christ has had experience putting on large-scale events, such as the annual Easter service at the arena. For the past 15 years, the church has presented the service, which has drawn as many as 2,500 people.

Friday’s “Celebrate America” program will offer music, a message, multimedia and drama. The Danville Municipal Band and the trio, “2 or More,” from Tennessee will perform, along with about 80 members of the church choir. The music will reflect the different time periods; for example, songs from the 1940s will honor the World War II veterans.

Each branch of the military will be honored, as well as the veterans who served in every military campaign from World War II to the Iraq War. Veterans are asked to wear their uniforms, or some article of clothing, such as a hat, to show which war they served in.

In addition, a tribute will be given to those keeping America safe by serving in the public sector, such as firefighters and police officers.

COMING UP

“Celebrate America” will be 7-9 p.m. Friday at the David S. Palmer Arena.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. and parking is free at the city garage and at the Old National Bank across from the arena. For more information, contact the church at 442-7306.

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