From Central PA-
Veterans Day might not be a holy day, but it holds deep meaning for the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.
The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter, a Vietnam veteran and head of the diocese with 66 parishes in 24 counties, said it reminds him of the giving nature of those who serve their country.
Baxter said he was delighted when members of his diocese and the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem brought handmade pocket prayer shawls to veterans Nov. 10 at the Veterans Hospital in Lebanon.
The shawls were blessed in a Veterans Day ceremony in the chapel, then distributed to veterans.
“These shawls have been lovingly made by members of both dioceses,” Baxter said. “When I was a soldier alone on a base or deep in the jungle, the small gestures such as a letter, photo, prayer card or small care package had great value for my soul.”
The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger, assistant bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, and the Rev. William Alford, rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Harrisburg and St. Andrew’s in the Valley in Susquehanna Township, blessed the shawls.
Baxter recalled a fellow veteran once telling him, “All gave some, some gave all.”
http://blog.pennlive.com/life/2011/11/church_members_give_blessed_sh.html
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