Twenty-nine deceased veterans, who were members of Brundidge United Methodist Church, were honored for their service to country with a display of memorial crosses and American flags from Memorial Day weekend through the Independence Day celebrations. The display was erected on the front lawn of BUMC on North Main Street in Brundidge.

The Rev. Ed Shirley, BUMC pastor, said the church’s worship committee wanted to make a visual presentation that acknowledged the importance of military service while also recognizing deceased church members who answered the call of their country.

“We always want to remember and honor those who served,” Shirley said.

Margaret Ross, BUMC worship chair, suggested the patriotic memorial display after seeing an impressive display of American flags in Repton.

The worship committee including Jimmy Hollis, Jimmie Spikes, Frieda Spikes, Ann Webb, Larry Webb, Jimmie Jackson, Les Jackson and Bud Ross designed the display, constructed the crosses and set up the display honoring, not only the deceased veterans of BUMC but all veterans.

Each cross featured the name of a deceased veteran and paid individual tribute to the church-members, reminding others of their service and sacrifices. While the crosses stood as memorials to the veterans, the American flags honored veterans of all wars.

“It is important for us, as Christians, to remember and to recognize that the Founding Fathers of our country sought the guidance of God our Father and leaned on Jesus in establishing our country,” Shirley said. “Jesus died on the cross to give us eternal life and many men and women have died in military service to establish our country and to preserve our way of life.”

Shirley said the memorial display has been well received by people from all walks of life.

“The comments have been very positive,” he said. “People have commented on how beautiful the display is and how appropriate it is for this time of year when we are focused on God, country and service to mankind.”