Shorter Chapel AME Church Remembers Those on Memorial Day
By Veretta Woods, 13th Episcopal District
The Civil War ended in 1865. It was a war that claimed more American lives than any other war in our history. In cities and towns across the country, loved ones of the fallen began paying tribute at their graves each spring, laying flowers, saying prayers, and honoring their sacrifice.
On Memorial Day, we think about the many sacrifices of all the men and women who gave their lives during active military service. Their lives and sacrifices contribute to our freedoms.
Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin, Tennessee, dedicated an entire weekend to honor these fallen heroes. This year, Pastor Kenneth H. Hill (retired general officer) and the mighty men of Shorter Chapel led this effort. A large piece of our commemoration included a session led by our local law enforcement, Lieutenant Rick Clouse of the Franklin Police Department. The trustees and members of the church participated in Brain Training to Save Lives. According to the FBI, church shootings are amongst the top five in mass killings. From 2000-2017, there were 250 active killer incidents, 500-1,800 people were killed, and 1,400-6,000 were wounded. The numbers are astounding. In 2017 alone, there were 427 mass shootings.
The workshop prepared us as a family, community, and servants. We must be ready with a security plan in place for our worship areas and individually. The goal of readiness is protecting ourselves and getting others to safety. The plan includes identifying a designated meeting area for fires and other incidents. The final thought for this training is to remember three key rules: run, hide, and fight. If you can flee in the opposite direction, do so. If you are not able to run but can hide, do so.
On Sunday, May 27, Colonel Hattie LeFay Richardson, a brigade commander, blessed us with a powerful message. She is the daughter of our very own Dr. Ray White, retired Air Force. Colonel Richardson reminded us again to “Be Ready.”She questioned if we were all in and if we were going to serve and protect. She explained that the military will prepare you but you must be ready to deploy or serve and even lead.
When we are willing to serve God, we must recognize three things: His Presence, His Power, and His Purpose. In your well-doing, remember to acknowledge God. It is not about being recognized but about being remembered.
This Memorial Day added another special tribute to those who served. The members of the U.S. Army Veteran American Legion Post 215 and Post 22 recognized those in service of our country and presented them with recognition certificates. The posts provided a color guard and marched in service and recognition of the work that our veterans provide. A special litany was also read.
