Veterans Day Tribute hosted by area Churches Nov 8,9 & 12

Several Churches in the area have planned an exciting celebration for Veterans Day this year. The celebration will include patriotic music and a special production from a Nashville theatre company entitled My Father’s War. My Father’s War is the story of a WWII veteran who reflects, at the end of his life, on the war, what he experienced in war, and the sacrifices every veteran makes. It is described as “a wonderful tribute to our veterans”.
My Father’s War, A Story of War, Survival and Grace is written, directed and performed by Carol Ponder and Robert Kiefer. It is based on the memoir, “Ponder Anew”, written by Carol’s father, Lt. Hershel Ponder. Carol and Robert have over 50 years of experience performing in venues including The Kennedy Center, The Tennessee Performing Arts Center, The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and numerous art centers, theaters, and colleges/universities in the United States. My Father’s War is the story of Carol’s father who enlisted in the Army Air Corps right after Pearl Harbor and fought in WWII. Carol writes, “After not talking about the war for 44 years, my father found real healing from his war’s invisible wounds by writing and sharing his story. Every word that is spoken by Robert, who plays my father, is straight from my father’s original manuscript. To augment the sense of time and place, we’ve enriched the story with family favorite songs from the period.” My Father’s War has been recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a wonderful catalyst for healing and dialogue. Everyone is invited to attend this memorable event.

This “Tribute to Veterans” is sponsored by First United Methodist Church (Port St. Joe) on November 8 at 6:00 PM, St. Andrews UMC (Panama City) on November 9 at 6:00 PM, Point Washington UMC (Santa Rosa Beach) on November 12 at 3:00 PM and First United Methodist Church (Ft. Walton) on November 13 at 6:00 PM. Each church will offer a unique presentation of patriotic music before the play. Special ways to recognize and appreciate veterans is also planned by each of the area churches.