American set to turn 238 years old on Friday
By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com
Video – presentation of 50 state flags
HAMLET — In between swimming, walking on tippy toes and watching television on the front porch, Pastor Randy Bishop reminded more than a dozen youth Sunday morning at First Baptist Church in Hamlet that this week’s celebration was for more than taking advantage of good weather or health.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Army veteran Ron Mayo caps the presentation of the 50 flags of the United States with the American flag.
“It’s our country’s birthday,” he said after 50 members of the congregation had participated in the four-minute presentation of 50 flags of the United States to open the 11 a.m. service. The processed was capped by the presentation of the American flag by Army veteran Ron Mayo and accompanied by the church choir under the direction of Mary Snyder, music director.
Bishop took his message to the children, and by extension to anyone in church this morning, to a personal level. He carefully and protectively held a framed photograph of his grandfather, who fought in World War I. The picture shows W.M. Bishop in uniform circa 1918. The image is embossed with a certificate that reads the “World’s Great War for Democracy.”
“I’m so proud of this picture,” Bishop said. “Before I was born, he did his duty for our country.”
Bishop encouraged those present Sunday to “remember all the people who did their duty.”
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Pastor Randy Bishop talks with children on Sunday about the importance of celebrating America’s birthday.
