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As each Veteran arrived, they were honored and given applause.

As each Veteran arrived, they were honored and given applause.

As each Veteran arrived, they were honored and given applause.

As each Veteran arrived, they were honored and given applause.

As each Veteran arrived, they were honored and given applause.

Columbus Baptist Church welcomed over 200 veterans and their families and provided a great home-cooked meal.

Columbus Baptist Church welcomed over 200 veterans and their families and provided a great home-cooked meal.

Each item on the “Fallen Comrade Table” symbolized deep emotions for those not returning home—a vase with a rose, an inverted drinking glass, and a Bible.

Each Veteran received a special custom-made Challenge Coin.

Each Veteran received a special custom-made Challenge Coin.

COLUMBUS—After several years of rainy weather, the sun shone brightly this Veterans Day as Columbus Baptist Church welcomed over 200 veterans and their families and provided a great home-cooked meal with lots of desserts.   

As each Veteran arrived, they were asked which branch of service they had served in. They were then given cheers and applause from a raucous group assembled at the end of the red carpet. Each Veteran received a special custom-made Challenge Coin.  

There were at least two veterans present who were 99 years young and had lived through the horrors of World War II. One of the gentlemen spoke about his time in Normandy. This past June, he was able to participate in the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Inside, a special “Missing Man Table” or “Fallen Comrade Table” was set with a white tablecloth.  Each item on this table symbolized deep emotions for those who won’t be returning home—a vase with a rose, an inverted drinking glass, and a Bible, among other things. The congregation at Columbus Baptist Church prays for the families of those brave men and women who won’t be at the Holiday table this year.

There were two racks of coats and scarves, and veterans were invited to take a coat if they needed or desired one. The veterans and their families were very appreciative of the meal and the opportunity to fellowship with other veterans.  

The truth is that they could never be thanked enough for all they have done in service to this great country and for risking their lives to keep us safe and secure. May God’s peace and blessing rest upon each one of them.

Thank you for your service!

Submitted by Tina Melton

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