2019 Memorial Day Service at Christ Church

The Service

For the 27th year, the Northern Neck Chapter of the Military Offices Association of America sponsored the annual Memorial Day Service at Historic Christ Church, Weems, Virginia. And, as usual, the church was full.  Following are pictorial highlights of the service and those who were honored and helped make it a success.

Attendees included the young, many veterans, and folks from all parts of the community 

The Service began at 11:30 AM with a welcome by NNMOAA President COL Bill Johnson

Colonel Bill Johnson, Master of Ceremonies

Lancaster AFROTC Color Guard Advancing

Lancaster AFROTC Color Guard Posting the Colors

Following posting of the Colors, the National Anthem was played and an invocation given by Reverend Pilar Parnell, Associate Rector of Grace Episcopal Church (Historic Christ Church is part of the Grace Episcopal Parish).

Mrs. Margaret Allen 1st Reading 23d Psalm

LTC Tony Blackstone 2nd Reading  from the Book of Micah (4:1-5)

LTC Bill Stackhouse 3rdReading from the Book of Matthew (24:1-14)

Following the Second Reading, the Congregation sang "America the Beautiful"; and "God Bless Our Native Land" following the Third Reading.

COL Bill Johnson then introduced the guest speaker, LTG A. Cruchfield.

Guest Speaker LTG Crutchfield presenting the Memorial Day Keynote Address

General Crutchfield gave a singularly moving tribute to the more than a million men and women who gave their lives for the life of the nation, focusing on specific instances from his own experience.  Some quotes from people after the service:

"Best speaker I've ever heard at a Memorial Day Service"

"General Crutchfield truly spoke for the heart and said all the necessary things"

"He wasn't afraid to expose himself and he clearly sees the needs of others.

"This was a moving experience" 

Following General Crutchfield's remarks, the Congregation sang "O God, Our Help in Ages Past".

Dr. Todd Dabney, wreath bearer, positioning wreath

Dr. Dabney, Ms Nancy Barnes, Mrs. Judy LeHardy, CDR Peter LeHardy at altar and wreath

The "Laying of the Wreath" ceremony followed General Cruthfield's address.  Dr. Todd Dabney carried the wreath, followed by this year's honorees; Mrs Judy LeHardy and her son, CDR Peter LeHardy who was standing in for his father, the late BG Ward LeHardy, and Ms Nancy Bames (former SGT, USMC).

Following The Laying of the Wreath ceremony, piper Dave Hershiser of the Kilmarnock & District Pipe Band played "When the Battle's Over"

Reverend Pilar read "For the Fallen" written by PFC David Philips in the wake of the Battle of Bastogne in the bitter winter of 1944-45.

The congregation sang a final hymn, "Amazing Grace", followed by the Lancaster High School AFROTC retiring the Colors thus ending the stirring 2019 Memorial Day Ceremony at Historic Christ Church, Weems, Virginia.

Following the ceremony the honorees were recognized with Certificates and General Crutchfield received a gift in appreciation.

 
CDR Peter LeHardy, Mrs. Judy LeHardy & LTG Crutchfield

COL Johnson presents LTG Crutchfield with an gift of appreciation - a framed print of
Historic Christ Church

The Northern Neck Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America

(NNMOAA) recently awarded scholarships to two college bound graduating seniors.  Both students were members of their respective high school Junior ROTC programs.

Pictured above, Cadet Sheridan Ford from the Lancaster High School Air Force JROTC program receives his scholarship from NNMOAA President Colonel William Johnson, USA (ret).  Cadet Ford will continue his education at the Virginia Military Institute.

Cadet Ashley Roberts from the Northumberland High School Army JROTC program received her scholarship from JROTC advisor Major Clarence Dameron, USA (ret)  at ceremonies held at Northumberland High School.  Cadet Roberts will continue her education at Longwood University.

Contributions to the NNMOAA Scholarship Fund in support of outstanding college bound participants in the JROTC program are gratefully accepted and may be sent to:

NNMOAA

P. O. Box 786