Church of Covenant salutes military and first responders
The Rev. Stuart Broberg stands with his father, Harry “Bro” Broberg, a World War II veteran, at the pulpit at Church of the Covenant. In honor of Veterans Day, the church will hold a special service of “Appreciation and Remembrance” at its 11 a.m. Sunday worship service.
Retired Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Johnson
Church of the Covenant in Washington will hold a special service of “Appreciation and Remembrance” to honor all military personnel and first responders at its 11 a.m. Sunday worship service.
The worship committee has reached out to surrounding municipalities, inviting veterans and first responders, including firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians, to the service.
It is the first time the church has held such a service, according to the Rev. Stuart Broberg.
“It was a combination of things: wanting to show our appreciation for those who serve in the military and those who have given their life for our country, and first responders who serve here at home,” Broberg said.
Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Johnson, who retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007, will conduct most of the service after Broberg’s opening remarks.
Johnson served as an infantry officer on active duty for 35 years in a variety of command and staff assignments. Serving primarily in infantry organizations during his career, he led units at all levels, from a platoon to a Marine Division.
In 2005-06, he was assigned as the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq, where he commanded 30,000 Marines and soldiers in combat operations in Al Anbar Province. Other career assignments include recruiting, training, logistics and security contingency planning.
Johnson, who resides in Washington County and is director of EHS Operations for Range Resources – Appalachia LLC in Canonsburg, is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School, U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, the Spanish Naval War College, the U.S. Army War College and Monmouth College.
Johnson’s sermon, “You Follow Me,” will be based on the Scripture from John 21:15-22.
The service as a whole, Broberg said, will be based on the English service of remembrance. When Broberg served a church in Washington, D.C., a similar service was held.
“It’s a beautiful service,” Broberg said. “We said it was a three-hanky service.”
The service traditionally is held the Sunday closest to Veterans Day, which is Tuesday. Veterans and first responders are encouraged to wear their uniforms, and two of the ushers will be dressed in their police uniforms.
Following a special presentation of colors and a processional of those being honored, the bells at Church of the Covenant will toll 11 times, signifying the end of World War I, also known as Armistice Day, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. There also will be “the great two-minute silence,” said Broberg, to recognize the cease-fire of World War I.
Special music will include patriotic hymns, and a brass ensemble will perform.
“I think of my dad, who just turned 90 and is a World War II veteran. He was in the Battle of the Bulge,” Broberg said. “The greatest generation is about to inherit the eternal reward, so it’s also nice to say thank you.”