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Day of Honor celebrates freedom
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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1 response 0 comments Veterans and servicemen and women from all over Bakersfield were invited to attend this special day: The “Day of Honor” hosted by the Olive Drive Church July 2.
As the morning sun started to warm the day, its bright rays shone on more than 500 flags on the front lawn of Olive Drive Church. Called the “Flags of Honor,” these flags (on loan from the Exchange Club of Bakersfield), have come to represent not only patriotic pride, but also healing for those who have lost a loved one to war.

In the lobby, SSG Hill Reyes had a special memorial display of many of Kern County’s Vietnam veterans. About 40 easels were draped with black POW flags and each easel contained an image of a soldier who had given his life in service to our country. People took their time walking among the images, reflecting on what it means to serve one’s country. 

Mayor Harvey Hall attended the 9 a.m. service, and as it concluded, everyone gathered on the lawn for a dedication ceremony.

Olive Drive Church thanked all participating organizations and volunteers for their part in the event: the Exchange Club of Bakersfield, the Kern Veterans Memorial Foundation (KVMF), SSG Reyes, Quinn Rental, and Little Caesars. 

Karen Norton spoke on behalf of the KVMF and gave an update on the fundraising efforts for the new Kern Veterans Memorial.

Senior Pastor Dr. Mike Popovich introduced Mayor Hall, who spoke about our great freedoms and the men and women who protect them. Pastor Mike closed with a prayer and invited all to attend the 10:45 a.m. patriotic service.

One of the highlights of the patriotic service was the video-taped testimony from the men of the local Army National Guard. Men from that unit had been deployed to Afghanistan, Egypt and Iraq.

As they told stories of their service, one couldn’t help but be proud of the work they did. In addition to keeping the peace or looking for terrorists, they were building schools, restoring electricity and building friendships with local families and children.

One young man spoke of a Christian sector of Iraqi people in Baghdad and how they gave his unit Easter presents. “Wow,” he thought to himself, “you don’t hear that on the news!” 

As the theme songs from the different armed forces were performed, servicemen and women stood to be recognized. Pastor Mike then prayed not only for those standing, but also for the men and women who are still serving and in harm’s way.
The patriotic service concluded with an energetic rendition of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” People were moved to their feet as the music began to build.

Applause and cheers erupted as a large 30’-x-50’ American flag was raised and red, white and blue streamers where shot from the balcony.

The sight was something to behold as the enormous presence of the flag filled the room.   

Olive Drive Church plans on celebrating our freedom next year with another “Day of Honor” and more patriotic services.

So, veterans, servicemen and women, and patriots, mark your calendars for next year’s celebration. 

— Marilyn Stone is a director of marketing and production for Olive Drive Church.

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