On Veterans Day November 11, 2008, members of Eliam Baptist church gathered together at Melrose association cemetery to honor all the service men and woman who served their country in front of the veteran’s memorial.
Jim Young and Donald Cheesman lowered the flag and then raised it to half mast to honor those who had fallen and those who passed on after returning home. 
We also honored those who are now serving, many of them in harms way.
A poem was read titled “They did their Share” as follows.
On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.
Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
Fore some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;
In the jungle or the desert.
On land on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory,
Some came back; some didn't.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All did their share.
No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory.
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duty mundane and gory.
Let every veteran be honored;
Don't let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can't repay.
We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror.
So when we see a uniform,
Let us say “thank you” to every wearer.
By Joanna Fuchs
A prayer was also offered;
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the selfless service of those who gave their lives to protect our nation, preserve our freedoms, and restore peace in the face of brutal aggressors. Grant relief to those who continue to experience emotional or physical agony from their days of combat. Give us a sense of responsibility for their welfare.
Comfort those who mourn for loved ones who died while performing their duty to our country. Enlist all who are in our military forces into your church military, that they may pledge eternal loyalty to Christ, our King, and know his peace.
We ask for blessings on all those who have served their country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body, and soul in conflicts around the globe. We pray especially for the young men and woman, in the thousands, who are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. From the past wars of Vietnam, Gulf war, Korean war, World War 2 and World War 1 with injured bodies traumatized spirits, may GOD give protection to those who still serve and bring peace to those at home.
Bring solace to them, O Lord. In Jesus name we pray.
As our service ended, a funeral procession entered the cemetery for the burial of a Marine General. We follow at a respectful distance and wept at the 21 gun salute with taps being played. How appropriate to honor him on this day set aside for veterans.
We will make this an annual event. We will invite all veterans to join us on the 11th day, 11th hour of the 11th month next year.
