Hillvue Heights Church honors local veterans with Night of Honor

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Hillvue Heights Church recognized local veterans Thursday night during its 10th Night of Honor, bringing the community together through music, military traditions and a message of faith.

The Caveman Chorus performed the songs of each military branch during the event.

The evening also included a ceremony celebrating the Marine Corps birthday, which was Nov. 10. A cake was cut with a ceremonial sword before the oldest Marine in attendance passed a slice to the youngest Marine.

The exchange symbolized the transfer of knowledge, leadership and Marine Corps traditions from one generation to the next.

Organizers also set a place for service members who never made it home.

The Missing Man Table offered a solemn reminder of their absence and sacrifice as the church honored veterans in attendance.

Pastor Steve Ayers thanked the veterans for answering the call to serve and putting the well-being of others ahead of themselves.

“I want to thank all of you warriors for standing up in the moment that God called you for opportunity, and whatever you thought about it, you went and fought for the betterment of others,” Ayers said.

Hillvue Heights started Night of Honor to bring local veterans together, thank them for their service and offer a message of faith. Thursday’s gathering marked the event’s 10th year.