By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
You might think the annual Celebration of Freedom at Atmore First Assembly of God might lose a little something from year to year – being presented now for the 36th time Sunday, June 29. But the program, “God Bless America,” continues to bring people to their feet, continues to honor patriots and veterans, and continues to bring tears to eyes. Above all, the program continues to honor God and country.
Each year, a few veterans are selected to be honored. This year, Pastor Don Davis presented plaques to the following: Tralve N. McKinley, Roy E. Miller, and Ricky D. Smith.
- Corporal Tralve R. McKinley, United States Marine Corps, serving in the Occupation of China, 1945-47; First Engineer Battalion, First Marine Division, Company C, Central and South Pacific.
His awards and commendations include WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic – Pacific Campaign Medal, USMC Honorable Discharge Ribbon, USMC Honorable Service Lapel, Rifle Marksman Medal.
His plaque was accepted by his grandson, Allen Minchew. - Sp E-5 Roy E. Miller, United States Army, serving in the Republic of Viet Nam, 1971-1972, U.S. Army 1969-1972
His awards and commendations include Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Viet Nam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Marksman Badge (Rifle), Phu Lam Signal Battalion - Petty Officer 1st Class E-6 Ricky D. Smith, United States Coast Guard, Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME1) Deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support for the Global War on Terrorism.
His awards and commendations include National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism – Service Medal, Coast Guard Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with a Mobilization Device, Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with Sharpshooter Device. Served with Coast Guard Port Security Unit 308 Kiln, MS; Coast Guard Base New Orleans, LA; Homeland Security, USCG RSV
Special music was presented by Melinda Kriss, Shanna Starnes, Morgan Hiebert, Sean Taylor, Roy White, and Kelvin Diller.
Members of the orchestra were Susan Kirkland, Brandon Hetrick, Landon Kirkland, Lauren Campbell, and David Campbell.
Patriotic numbers included God Bless America, Ragged Old Flag monologue, Star Spangled Banner, Taps, America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, military anthems as each branch of service was recognized, God Bless the USA.
Angels Among Us and Goodness of God were also performed.