GOWEN CITY - When asked if he believes God has blessed the United States, Shamokin City Police Cpl. Nathan Rhodes' says, "Yes."
"Sometimes we forgot how fortunate we really are, and how, after a horrific attack on our homeland, we seem unsure of the response we should take. Today we honor many who have given their lives and who have served in defense of this country," Rhodes said as the special guest speaker Sunday afternoon at the fourth annual Veterans' Recognition Dinner at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Rhodes reviewed the major wars and conflicts, including the American Revolution and Civil War, both World Wars, the Cold War era, the Korean and Vietnam wars and modern day wars in the Middle East.
In WWI, he said, "America was put to the test and was placed on foreign ground. Immigrants from different countries from around the world that had come to America just a few years before found themselves fighting for this country that they loved and for the freedom which they had grown to love."
The troops found themselves saying "God bless America" in those "bloody wheat fields and trenches" in France, he said.
In WWII, "God blessed this nation with a populace that rose to the challenge both on the home front and on the battlefield, and the greatest generation was born," he said.
During Korea, "God bless America" was questioned, and then during Vietnam, "God Bless America" was not heard, Rhodes said.
"We found ourselves in jungles and rice patties fighting an unseen enemy. During this time, the country was torn apart," he said. "Flags, which had been hanging, were instead seen burning, and our troops were treated horribly, losing hope for the nation."
Eventually, the phrase was heard again, he said, and then, "Our country was again put to the test in September 2001 when this nation was attacked by terrorists. Our country was united, some say stronger than ever, and we continue to fight the war on terror."
He encouraged the veterans and their families in attendance to remember all the men and women, living and dying, who served the country.
"Wave our flag proudly and God Bless America," he said.
21 veterans
There were 21 veterans from East Cameron Township who attended the dinner, including Rhodes, who served in the Marine Corps from 2001 to 2004, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, there were three veterans of World War II, six from the Korean War, two from the Cold War era, eight from the Vietnam War and one who served during the first Persian Gulf War and continues to serve today.
Tom Rumberger, who served as a third class petty officer, U.S. Navy, in Vietnam, said the program was excellent.
The 68-year-old East Cameron Township veteran called the Vietnam War, "the war from hell."
"You didn't wear your uniform. I got called names at the airport (returning home)," he said.
He said it was nice to see recognition for all veterans, including those from his generation.
Before Rhodes spoke, Stephanie Pavelko read a short story called "America's White Table," which tells the tale of a child learning about honoring prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. "The White Table, that was emotional," said Rumberger.
The chair of the Veteran's Program Committee is Claire Bonshock, of Paxinos.