Events Are In Sequence - Please Scroll Down
2006 Dedication Of The Middle Eastern War Memorial In Marseilles Illinois
Fr. Andrew, a retired Air Force Chaplain and member of the Civil Air Patrol was called for the third year to participate in Illinois Freedom Run which was organized by the motor cycle organization of the same name. Many of the members are Vietnam veterans who want to make sure that the sacrifices being made in this war in the Middle East will be honored and not forgotten. They organized and funded the building of this memorial in Marseilles Illinois.
The honor guard standing next the memorial wall where 904 new names of our fallen service men and women were added this year. All 904 names were read by guests and family members.
Local Civil Air Patrol Cadets participated in the event - Fr. Andrew holds monthly moral leadership classes for them at Lincoln Way High school in Frankford Illinois.
Fr. Andrew giving the invocation before 20,000 bikers, members of the Armed forces, invited state officials and families of commemorated veterans.
Invocation
O Almighty God, our heavenly Father. You came and dwelt among us. You walked upon the ground that is now wet with the blood of those who have fallen. It was there that you revealed Yourself to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets. It was there that your Son prophesied that there would be Wars and rumor of wars. It was there that you sent your Holy Spirit to guide all to your Truth. And it was here in this small town in the Midwest that you have guided us by Your Holy Spirit to set up this Middle Eastern War Memorial. We pray today that you will give eternal rest to those who have given their lives to sustain the freedom that we so richly enjoy. Bring Your comforting spirit to the families and friends of these courageous men and women. Today we implore you to intervene in this conflict to bring it to a quick end and return the troubled Middle East to peace. We pray that next year, this wall will not increase in size with the names of our fallen heroes but will be a place of remembrance to a war that has past on into history. We pray this prayer in Your Name: The prince of peace. Amen
Benediction
May our Lord God almighty keep you from all evil and harm. May he bless you with every good gift. May he set his word in your hearts and fill you with everlasting Joy. May you ride carrying the memory of those whom we have commemorated this day. Go in peace - Amen
Brigadier General William C. Kirkland of the 88th Regional Readiness Group was one of the main speakers. He will be speaking at St. Luke's on the September 11 Patriot's Day Tribute.
The lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois Pat Quinn with a group of Iraqi Freedom Vets. He is a great supporter of the Freedom Run Memorial. He pushed the Highway Department to post a sign for the Middle East War memorial on I-80
6th Annual Quad-Parish Liturgy And Picnic
The Sunday the parishes of St. Luke, Saints Peter and Paul, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Panteleimon joined together for the 6th Annual Quad-Parish Liturgy and picnic. For many this event began early in the morning setting up everything needed for the day. For others this event began months ago with meetings to plan the day. We thank all those who worked so hard for the benefit of all concerned.
A temporary altar is set up in the pavillion.
His Eminence, Archbishop Job arrives for the Liturgy.
His Eminence and the clergy process towards the pavillion.
Father Andrew Harrison welcomes His Eminence.
A representative of the laity greets Archbishop Job with a gift of bread and salt.
The Liturgy begins.
The reading of the Holy Gospel.
His Eminence speaks to the parishioners during the sermon concerning Pentecost and the Holy Fathers of the Church.
The Liturgy was sung by a combined choir under the leadership of choir director John Sutko.
Scene for the Liturgy.
At the end of the Liturgy, the parishioners came forward to venerate the cross and be greeted by Archbishop Job.
Parishioners enjoy fellowship greeting old friends and making new ones.
Parishioners enjoy fellowship greeting old friends and making new ones.
A catered lunch was served.
Parishioners relax and enjoy their food.
Parishioners relax and enjoy their food.
Some of the youngsters decided that the pump for the well was much more interesting than food. They also decided that teamwork was the way to go in making the pump work.
After lunch the parishioners enjoyed various activities.
That one's way back.
Raffles were also held at various times during the day.
Here the serious business of judging the Chilli Cookoff begins.
Karen won first place for the People's Choice Chili category for the second year. Fr. Anthony won second prize. People's Choice Chili is chili with beans.
Fr. Andrew won first prize in the competitive Chili Category - This is real chili without beans. The International Chili Society defines Chili as " any kind of meat or combination of meat cooked with chili's, spices and other ingredients with the exception pf beans or pasta, which are strictly forbidden." http://www.chilicookoff.com
Matt won second prize with a very spicy chili.
The children try to open a pinyata with a stick to get at the candy inside.
Once the candy hit the ground it was time to grab as much as you can.
During the week following the Liturgy and picnic, the planning team met to review the event and begin planning for next year. Once again thanks for all their hard work.