Dr. William C. "Bill" Ellis Master of Ceremonies

November 13, 2007

Putnam Rotarians gathered today at Sleepy Hollow Country Club with other civic clubs, and the Chamber of Commerce for the 13th annual "For This We Give Thanks" program, a salute to veterans of the armed services combined with thanksgiving for another year of progress in the community.

Keynote speaker was Dr. Melissa L. Pratt, Senior Pastor of the Teays Valley Church of God who stirred the audience with a powerful vocal rendition of Josh Goban's "You Raise Me Up."

Hershel "Woody" Williams, awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for action on Iwo Jima, recognized those in uniform today "fighting for a people they do not know, for something they do not understand."

Dr. Pratt challenged the group to "raise others up." With examples from the ministry of Paul to the first thanksgiving at Plymouth, she told of lives enriched by service to others. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed," she said, citing Proverbs 11:25.

County Commission President Joe Haynes noted progress and achievements in the Putnam community during the past year.