A blog reader writes:
I have been trying to find out some details about the Saturday (10/4) night rally on the riverfront when Mike Sodrel spoke. I would like to know the nature of his talk (was it a campaign or patriotic speech), what organization and individuals supported this rally, were there any other speakers, and if so who were they.
I called the Tribune but they didn't know any details.
I am concerned about this because our church had a booth there and I am strongly opposed to a church participating in any political gathering. Members of a church should be free to exercise their political support for anyone they choose but the church's name should not be associated with that support.
I hope you can help me.
I'll readily confess to being stumped. Prior to reading this e-mail, I didn’t even know there was an event on the waterfront last Sunday, although after Googling, it surfaced that a preview article by Tara Hettinger appeared in the Tribune while I was gone on vacation.
Free family event for the community Oct. 4 on New Albany Riverfront
Lee Ann Wiseheart, S.U.R.F. (Students United Radically for Floyd County) Board member, is one of those helping organize this year’s event.“
"The purpose is to have a positive event for the community to come to where we can properly recognize folks that serve in the military and, at the same time, provide a positive uplifting theme to kickoff Harvest Homecoming,” Wiseheart said. “The community really came together in the midst of the wind storm. What’s a better way to bring everyone together again, in a positive way, that’s not picking up trees?”
Specifically, there was no mention of a Mike Sodrel speech in any of the pre-event publicity (see below), and the whole thing seems fairly innocuous. At the same time, our correspondent's questions are valid in terms of individual conscience, and they seem both sincere and worthy of answers.
Did anyone go?
NEW FOR 2008 - "INSPIRATION NIGHT ON THE RIVER" - OCT 4
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. • Location: New Albany Riverfront
Family Friendly Music • Family Friendly Speakers • Family Friendly Events • A Dare to Care Event
Special music by local and other artists; Special guest speakers; Games, and Inflatables.
Special tribute to our hometown heroes, the 152nd National Guard Unit and other troops past and present!
Hosted by: Interfaith Community Council in Association with area Churches and The Faith-Based Community
The Inspiration on the River event was a positive family event that brought special recognition to our military servants. The "Who Inspires You" essay winner was also announced at the event. Mike Sodrel shared some words of appreciation and encouragement to our military folks. Mayor Doug England signed certificates of appreciation that were distributed to all military folks and their families. Mayor England was asked to share a few words; however, he humbly declined the opportunity to speak. Mr. Sodrel did not speak about, nor was he invited to speak about politics and the upcoming elections. He is a former member of the 151st Infantry and that was his purpose for sharing. I hope this brings clarity for the original post-er. I agree with the post-er that politics does not have a place at the pulpit.
ReplyDeleteWe are hopeful that this type of positive family/community event will take place in the years to come as a special way to begin Harvest Homecoming festivities. Thanks
God Bless - Lee Ann Wiseheart
Thanks for the report. I didn't know any way of addressing the question short of asking for an answer, and you provide it.
ReplyDeleteshouldn't "Students United Radically for Floyd County" actually be S.U.R.F.C., or even S.U.R.F.F.C., rather than S.U.R.F.?
ReplyDeleteThe students came up with the name. I just ride along for the pure joy of being around kids who are creative, empowered and motivated to make positive change in our community. I'll pass your name concern along to them. Thanks
ReplyDeleteLee Ann
Thank you, Lee Ann. I would like to have come to the event, however, I did not know about it. I hope everything turned out well. What is the age range for the SURF kids?
ReplyDeleteIn past years, I worked in youth ministry. I haven't had the time the past couple years but I can't wait to get involved again.
S.U.R.F. Board deals primarily with middle school and high school aged kids; however, we are in the process of planning an end of the year celebration for elem. age children. We plan to "breed them young" and as they grow older, they will be heavily engaged in positive productive life choices as well as be civic minded in our community. We have a booth at Harvest Homecoming. We are located on Pearl Street, near Main Street. We have the best meatball subs in the county. All are welcome and tips are appreciated:)
ReplyDeleteGod Bless - Lee Ann