Our Nation's Heroes

Keeping to our longstanding tradition of honoring our veterans at GCC's 4th of July Services, we invited a Miller's Vets Color Guard to help us celebrate the freedom and independence of this great nation. It was an honor to worship beside our veterans.

You may recall Judge Miller (awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries received in combat) is in his 90's but his resolve to help homeless veterans in Michiana hasn't wavered one bit.

Miller's Vets was birthed in a moment he won't forget. He saw the picture of a homeless man in a coffin-like box on one of South Bend's streets. Reading The Tribune's description, Judge Miller learned that it was 18 degrees outside when the picture was taken. He thought, "That could be a vet." The offense of that notion prompted his strong reaction; the Judge told me he didn't have time to mess around, so he started Miller's Vets.

GCC has partnered with The Center for the Homeless, and Miller's Vets, on the 747 Project. Our plan involved the ongoing renovation of the building at 747 South Main Street in South Bend. We're determined to serve homeless vets, renewing their spirits and helping them get a fresh start in life.

My deepest appreciation goes to Judge Miller for a lifetime of contribution to his country and community.

He is worthy of honor.

 

I can explain the power and intensity of our 4th of July service at the Fair Grounds, but not with the judge's verbal dexterity. The judge is one of the most articulate people I know. He gave me permission to share portions of his erudite summation of our 4th of July Service.

He wrote:

I am convinced that I just watched, and participated in, one of the most evangelical, exhilarating and exciting ceremonies of my lifetime. It was indeed the most singular in its outreach, and its inclusive nature for 3,786 members and guests, from far and near was unmatched. …

Dr. Mark Beeson, the GCC Sr. minister, is indeed, one of a kind.  …  He gave a brief, but glowing, report on Miller's Vets, describing their function in the ceremony. Far too graciously, he also described my participation and proceeded to introduce me again to the 3,786 member audience by asking me stand and then asking the audience to stand, welcome and thank me. The enthusiasm clearly equaled the 80,000 fans at the Notre Dame-Navy game last fall upon my public receipt of the Father Corby Award. Admittedly, the cheers of the 80,000 could possibly have been louder, but if so, I could not detect it.

The vets smartly marched in from stage left under Luke's commands, accompanied by Rich and Bill playing "America the Beautiful." The producers had wired Luke and after the presentation and posting of the Colors, Luke led the audience in a loud, firm and impressive voice, in the Pledge of ALLEGIANCE. The detail then retired to the accompaniment of Rich and Bill playing "Amazing Grace." They received, and certainly deserved, a standing ovation.

I could not have been more proud. 

It is my great privilege to serve our community beside Judge Miller.
 

Psalm 45:3-4

Strap your sword to your side, warrior! 
      Accept praise! Accept due honor! 
      Ride majestically! Ride triumphantly! 
   Ride on the side of truth! 
      Ride for the righteous meek!