A Veterans Day celebration was held on Monday morning at First Morning Star Baptist Church, Bena. 

The program began with the presentation of the colors by the Gloucester High School NJROTC, followed by those in attendance singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Pastor Larry Arrington gave the call to worship and the welcome was given by president of the GURA and the pastor of New Mount Zion Baptist Church, the Rev. Vincent Pryor, a U.S. Navy veteran.

“Today, when you see those who have served, extend a thank-you for your service, because without that service some of the benefits that we enjoy today would not have been possible at all,” said Pryor.

Brinda Jones introduced the worship leader Dr. Gloria Savage-Early, who is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

The Veterans Chorus led the crowd in singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic as well as America the Beautiful.

A scripture and prayer were also given by the Rev. Ward Warren, pastor of First Baptist Church Ordinary and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. The Rev. Wilbert Early, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, gave the memorial prayer.

Offering music was done by Zion Poplars Church member and Army veteran Roger Walker. The actual offering was done by U.S. Marine Corps William “Juiny” Lemon and U.S. Army veterans Robert Wilson (Morning Glory Baptist Church), Ulysses Davenport (Morning Glory Baptist Church), and Deacon Edward Washington (First Morning Star Baptist Church), who also did the offertory prayer.

Funds raised went to support the GURA Youth Program.

Minister-Reverend Jerry Bristow of New Mount Zion Baptist Church, who is a U.S. Army veteran, introduced the speaker, U.S. Army veteran Col. Herbert Jones.

“Our veterans are the foundation of who we are,” Jones said, adding that “our military force has been the stabilizing force around the world.

“That is why we enjoy our freedoms. Our veterans have defended freedom and democracy and fought for truth and justice,” said Jones.

The Rev. Willie Dickerson, pastor of Union Zion Baptist Church and U.S. Air Force veteran, did the invitation to discipleship.

Deacon Junious Davenport of St. Paul Baptist Church and a U.S. Air Force veteran, gave the final remarks for the morning.

Music was played by Leander Myers, a U.S. Army veteran, during the celebration and the Veterans Chorus led the crowd in several selections.