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Sunday Photos, November 16, 2008 (please wait for photos to display on slower connections)

FLEET RESERVE TWO BELL CEREMONY HONORS SHIPMATES WHO HAVE DIED IN THE PAST YEAR

'Paying Reverence to the Memory of Shipmates Departed'

By Larry Price

I’m old enough to remember a time in America when we as a nation could not always separate our sentiments against war from our support for our men and women in uniform. The legacy of Viet Nam and the sometimes shameful reception received by vets returning from an unpopular war has taught America the difference. We can be divided on issues of war while united behind those who serve our country. During World War II, there was a clear difference between good and evil in the world. And we celebrated a war’s end and honored our men and women in uniform—a generation of heroes who are now fading away. As it was in Viet Nam, and is today in Iraq, America struggles over the politics of war, but brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines answer a nation’s call and serve in Harm’s Way. The difference today is that we stand together in support of our troops regardless of how we, as Americans, might be divided over a particular war.

North Kingstown United Methodist Church has rich historic ties to the US Navy (see church history). Our church was largely founded by Naval families in the 1960’s. A precious few are still with us. Earlier this year, our congregation planted a peace pole on the church grounds and we continue to pray for a world free of war, but those prayers and our prayers for our men and women in uniform are not, and should not, be in conflict.

Today, we are proud to welcome the Fleet Reserve Association [More about Fleet Reserve Association] and pay reverence to “shipmates departed” in a deeply moving and traditional Two Bell Ceremony. While the FRA represents members of the Naval, Marine and Coast Guard services, let us also pause today to remember all the men and women in uniform who have made the supreme sacrifice in service to country. Let us honor all those who have returned safely from conflict; let us pray for God’s protection for all who continue to serve at great peril. And let us pray for a time when we need never again test the strength and readiness of brave men and women in combat.

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PHOTOS FROM TWO BELL CEREMONY

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