WS Chronicle

In above photo: Veterans at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church are (L-R) Leroy Barkley, Norman Lytle, Clifford Moore, William Murchison, William Gore and Melton Sadler. Rev. Dr. Hector Sintim is in front. (Photo by Timothy Ramsey)

By Timothy Ramsey

For The Chronicle

The sermon at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 810 N. Highland Ave., told of relationships after Vietnam veterans returned home as the church honored the veterans of the congregation on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11. It commemorates the end of World War I and is widely known as a day of peace.

St. Stephen’s has been celebrating the veterans and their families for years. U.S. Army veteran William Gore commented on the day’s events by saying, “St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church always tries to celebrate Veterans Day to recognize those members of the church that served in the armed forces.”

The veterans of the church were recognized by the entire congregation, and all who participated stood and told which branch they were affiliated with and their years of service and even which wars they were involved in. 

Following the recognition of the veterans, the Rev. William Pendleton delivered a heartfelt sermon where he recounted his experiences with his brother and close friend after they returned from the Vietnam War and the trials and tribulations they endured upon return from overseas.

He also gave thanks to the veterans who were present in the congregation. The Rev. Dr. Hector Sintim, Priest in Charge, then personally thanked the veterans by shaking their hands one by one.

After the service, the veterans posed for a group photo with Rev. Sintim and then enjoyed a meal in the fellowship hall with church members.