STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — Every Veterans Day, we pause to honor those who fought for and served our country.
On Sunday, the day before the holiday, one metro Atlanta church honored their veterans in a unique way.
It wasn’t just an average service at the Church at Jodeco in Stockbridge. The service was not only a dedication to veterans, but in the sanctuary sat a walk-in display, to let all who entered know about those who served.
“We are trying to honor our veterans,” explained Dwain Sayers, the chairman for the church’s military ministry. “We feel it's very important, instead of having them to stand-up and give them a round of applause and sit down.”
Everyone represented has a personal connection to the church. And different generations were represented, too, from World War II to the War in Afghanistan. These men and women are brothers, mothers, sons, fathers and even church members - like Rudie Boulware.
“It means a lot, because from my period of service during the Vietnam era, there was a time when I would come home, and I wasn't accepted,” he told 11Alive’s Nick Sturdivant.
Boulware served in both the Air Force and Army in a span of more than 25 years.
“I was with guys in Vietnam that came home before me that went to my home to see my mom, and they still continue to go and see my mom after I came back, because we were all just one family,” he explained.
Church members donated this collection of pictures, old uniforms, medals and other keepsakes.
Photos: Veterans Day display set up inside church sanctuary
Honoring vets hold a special place in Sayers’ heart.
“I have a family of veterans,” he said, tearing up. “They are very, very important to our freedom. Very important. People take that for granted, and we don't want to take those things for granted.
“It's not just a recognition for me, but it's a recognition for all of the guys that served with me. That served after me. That served before me,” Boulware added.
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