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Atmore First Assembly of God (AFA) held its annual Celebration of Freedom June 29 in the church sanctuary.

Familiar patriotic and gospel songs were sung, and guest presentation were held.

Those recognized included Corp. Tralve R. McKinley, U.S. Marine Corps; Sp. Roy E. Miller, U.S. Army; and Sp. Ricky D. Smith, U.S. Coast Guard.

Smith served in the United States Coast Guard, and his rank was petty officer first class E-6. His rating was with the Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME1) and was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support for the Global War on Terrorism.

Miller served in the U.S. Army in the Republic of Vietnam from 1971-1972. He served in the Army for three years.

Miller’s awards included the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals with 60 device and two Bronze Stars, respectively, Army Commendation Medal, Marksman Badge and Phu Lam Signal Battalion.

McKinley served in the Marine Corps in the Occupation of China from 1945-1947. He was a first engineer battalion and was a part of the first Marine Division Company in the Central and South Pacific.

McKinley’s awards included the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the USMC Honorable Discharge Ribbon and Service Lapel and the Rifle Marksman Medal.

Each military branch, including the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Corps were recognized.

The orchestra included Susan Kirkland on piano; Brandon Hetrick on drums; Landon Kirkland on bass guitar; Lauren Campbell on violin; and Daniel Campbell on keyboard and trumpet.

Sara Davis and Sean Taylor directed the celebration; Jason Hiebert and Hunter Spence controlled the sound; Charles Aymond worked the monitors; Denise Middleton and Delores Peavy decorated the set; and Joyce Petty of Atmore Flower Shop donated the ferns.

Taylor, Roy White, Shanna Starns, Morgan Hiebert, Kelvin Diller and Melinda Kriss sang throughout the celebration.