St. Anna’s Catholic Church Honors its Military Veterans

On Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, St. Anna’s Catholic Church in Monroe, Georgia, honored its congregation’s military veterans by dedicating its Veterans Wall of Honor. Spearheaded and solicited by the Knights of Columbus, Council 14425, the church’s parishioners submitted over 200 photos of their families’ military veterans. The Knights did the rest by processing, printing, framing, and displaying the pictures on the Wall of Honor for the congregation to review.

St. Anna’s Color Guard composed of military veterans in uniform placed the American flag on the altar, and the congregation recited the pledge of allegiance. Dignitaries from Georgia’s State Knights of Columbus and all veterans present were recognized. The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by the veterans.

Robert Costantino, a Knight and Veteran, discussed his personal perspective for service in the military, and related how today’s citizens must support our nation by volunteering for service consistent with its defense needs and the maintenance of our freedoms. All veterans were asked to stand by Father Dan to receive a special blessing. A reception of coffee and donuts followed in the parish hall.

Special recognition was given to St. Oliver Plunket’s Parish in Snellville. Especially, Ken Carson’s family for bringing the veterans wall concept to St. Anna’s as well supplying the Wall previously used for over 8 years at their parish.

The Knights of Columbus managed the Wall of Honor project by establishing a web site to gather photos, family and veteran’s information. All military services were represented: Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force. Parishioners submitted the name and picture of their family veterans, to include rank, relationship and current service status including awards. The framed photos were displayed on the wall in alphabetical order, along with a Veterans Register Album showing each veteran’s picture, service, rank, special awards received, along with the parishioner’s name and relationship.

Father Dan, Pastor of St. Anna's Catholic Church, gave the veterans his blessing and enthusiastically thanked the members of the Knights of Columbus for this noteworthy service project in support of the parish. Interviewed afterward he agreed with fellow Knight Bob Costantino that, “Freedom is not Free!" He offered his personal thanks and gratitude to all Veterans who have served our nation for their initiative, dedication, diligence, and sacrifices. He expressed his delight to see the parish community get so involved in support of this endeavor honoring our veterans. Parishioners spent a lot of time together in front of the Wall sharing their loved one’s stories. St. Anna’s Veterans Wall of Honor will be displayed in the Narthex of the church for a period of three weeks.