Grace Lutheran to host only area Vets Day service

Published 9:33 am Thursday, May 21, 2009

Grace Lutheran Church of Austin will host a special Veterans Sunday service beginning at 9 a.m.

It is the only service of its kind held in Austin on Memorial Day weekend.

Guest speakers will be father and son, Norman and James Hecimovich.

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Norm is a retired educator who also served in the U.S. Armed Forces for more than three decades.

Most recently, he earned national honors from the U.S. Department of Defense as Employer Support for Guard and Reserve.

Norm’s duties involve assisting American military veterans and their families, transitioning from active duty to civilian life in the First Congressional District.

His son, James, is a command sergeant major in the U.S. Army Reserve with 28 years of military service, both active and reserve.

He served four years in U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret soldier.

An educator like his father, James is the Kingsland school district’s elementary and middle school principal.

He was activated twice since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America.

Hecimovich is the recipient of the Bronze Star award.

The younger Hecimovich will be discussing today’s soldiers, during his Sunday morning address at Grace Lutheran Church.

His father will discuss the meaning of Memorial Day and veterans of all wars and conflicts.

There will be special patriotic music during Sunday’s service.

Also, there will be special honors for all active duty and retired veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard as well as Merchant Marine.

Food and fellowship will follow the worship service.

There will be only the 9 a.m. Sunday service at Grace Lutheran Church. Regular 8 and 10:30 a.m. services will resume May 31.

Grace Lutheran Church is located at 2001 Sixth Ave. S.E.

The special Memorial Day weekend Sunday Veterans Service is open to the public.