Welsh, La., is an older, rural community that has a strong sense of
community pride. Antique stores dot the one main street, which is surrounded
by rice fields.
But this weekend, First Assembly of God in Welsh is going all out to
salute the nation’s veterans by organizing a parade and a community
festival.
Last year, the 50-member congregation had a more modest observance
for Veterans Day. Still, providing lunch for local veterans as well
as erecting flagpoles and crosses in the churchyard — to represent
American wars and military personnel — is an ambitious undertaking.
This year, Pastor Steve McFarland is working with his church to honor
veterans like never before. In the process, the church is reaching the
community of 3,800 in southwestern Louisiana. Virtually the entire congregation
has been involved in the six-month planning process. There are 10 veterans
in the church.
The parade itself encompasses just about every local organization:
the Boy Scouts, Rotary club, sheriff’s department, fire department,
Christian motorcycle club, rifle drill team, homecoming queen, the high
school band and Ishak Natau, a Native American dance troupe. Sticking
with the patriotic theme, the parade will feature such attractions as
an Army Humvee, unknown soldier float, Marine Corps color guard, Purple
Heart float, Air Force color guard and Gold Star float to remember soldiers
who died in combat.
For Welsh, it will be the largest parade ever, with 35 entrants. The
grand marshal of the November 10 parade is retired Assemblies of God
pastor D. E. Stroud, a disabled World War II veteran. McFarland is expecting
about 4,000 people to attend the festivities after sending invitations
to more than 50 veterans groups and Armed Forces units. The parade route
ends at the church property.
There, a festival runs from noon to 9 p.m. It includes community choir
singing, Native American troupes, drama presentations, clowns and games.
Businesses will give away free merchandise every hour. Members from
two other area Assemblies of God congregations are cooking food for
booths.
McFarland, who came to Welsh last year, says he has supported veterans
throughout his 16 years of ministry. His father was a World War II veteran.
On Veterans Day, retired military personnel will be recognized during
the service and the church will provide a free luncheon to area veterans.
Stroud will preach on the topic of "The Price of Peace," tracing the
sacrifices made by soldiers during America’s history to Jesus Christ’s
suffering during His crucifixion.
"The price of freedom is expensive, from the horrors of war to the
Cross that provided our price for freedom," says Stroud, injured during
World War II by chemical warfare. After the war, Stroud attended Bible
college. He went on to be a pastor for 21 years and Royal Rangers district
commander before retiring.
