The statement, “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all,” is a tribute to all military veterans, acknowledging that while it’s impossible to know every individual service member, every American owes a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. Consequently, Reverend Angela Ford Broughton and the Outreach Ministry of New Life United Methodist Church of Walterboro, annually show their gratitude to our local veterans and their families by hosting a breakfast in their honor. Each year this invitation is extended to the community at large.
As the veterans and their family members entered the church’s fellowship hall, they were warmly greeted with a gracious smile and welcome by Pastor Broughton. The hearty breakfast consisted of grits, eggs, sausage, bacon, salmon, biscuits with a special sauce, an array of fruit and desserts, assorted juices, coffee, and water. You can believe that no one left this beautifully decorated edifice hungry!
After the meal each veteran was asked to stand and state his / her name, branch of service, and number of years served. Some of the guests remembered military family members who could not attend and those who are deceased. Further, those who desired were given the opportunity to share experiences of their time served. Some of these emotionally-charged stories of their military journeys brought tears to the eyes of several within the hall.
Prior to the close of this momentous event, Pastor Broughton focused on a table that had been prepared with pictures of deceased veterans of family members within New Life and the community. She led a prayer of remembrance and sacrifice. Then members of the Outreach Ministry gifted each veteran with a beautifully designed red, white, and blue anointed pillow.
Further, the Pastor’s husband, Reverend Nehemiah Broughton who is the Pastor of Hunter’s Chapel Baptist Church and a veteran, was also in attendance. A wonderful time was had by all.
Members of the Outreach Ministry of New Life are Rhonda Winfield, Chairman; Jo Ann McLauren, Linda Jordan, Sara Aiken, Barbara Williams, Eartha Cunningham, Cindy Bowman, Denise Vennings, and Thomas Ellison. Given the love and appreciation shown by everyone who fellowshipped, this annual event will be highly anticipated for Veterans Day 2026.
