On June 29, GCI members from the Portland and King City, Oregon, areas hosted the annual King City veteran’s celebration. Eighty four community participants, including 17 WWII and Vietnam veterans (pictured below) enjoyed the festivities, which included a surprise salute to the veterans in the form of a gift of hand-crafted quilts (pictured at right) from Oregon Quilting.
GCI pastor Dee Bulante emceed the event, which included patriotic music and a flag presentation by members of the Portland squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Pastor Dee then showed two video interviews of local veterans, including a World War II vet who had been awarded the Bronze Star and a helicopter pilot who served three tours of duty in Vietnam. Local resident Jennifer Lamaye then spoke about Mission Mahalo which she formed in 2010 to acknowledge the service of those serving in Afghanistan by sending them over 1,000 care packages to date. A picnic-style lunch was then served by church members.
What an Excellent Idea!! Our Veterans should be remembered, honored for serving their country. Acknowledging their willingness to stand on the line for all of us to protect our country, shows their dedication, which benefits all of us and I believe it honors God. For God gave us this Country & helped America get started, based on Christian principles. His Hand is still at work in our country, in our lives & we are grateful!!
God Bless These Veterans for their service &
God Bless You for Honoring them!!
Lila & Ted Millhuff
Tucson AZ
Lila – Veteran US Navy
Ted – Veteran USMC