EAST BRANDYWINE >> Church members gathered and shared the mission to Remember-Honor-Teach by laying Wreaths on the graves of more than 300 veterans in the Hopewell Cemetery.

More than 300 people attended the service at Hopewell United Methodist Church on Dec. 16 to honor veterans. The ceremony, led by Pastor John Neider, an Air Force Veteran, began with a prayer and a moment of silence to remember all POW/MIA.

Coatesville High School’s JROTC presented the colors. The congregation sang the national anthem as Don Pennell, a congregation member played the trumpet. All veterans in attendance were recognized for their service to their country with World War II Veteran, Bill Martz getting a special ovation. Veterans and active duty military members stood and saluted as their branch of service was honored with the presentation of a Ceremonial Wreath. All military, former and present, members stood and saluted as the ceremonial wreath remembering all POW/MIA was brought forward.

Neider shared the story of soldiers in combat during World War II laying aside their arms and pausing at Christmas to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The service continued with a video of what all military members and their families desire – that they “All Be Home For Christmas.” The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps and the retiring of the Colors. Following the ceremony, families and volunteers crossed the street to the cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of the veterans. As they lay the Wreath each family “Said the Name” of the veteran they honored and remembered.