On Sunday, Nov. 13, at 9:30 am, All Saints in Big Sky will offer a service at the Big Sky Chapel honoring those who have served our country in all branches of our armed forces here or abroad. All Saints in Big Sky is a shared ministry of the Episcopal and Lutheran (ELCA) churches.
Service men and women are asked to arrive at the chapel at 9 AM to participate in the procession of the flags. Uniforms or military décor are encouraged. There will be special music and a social time with refreshments will follow the service. All are welcome to attend.
Photos of individual’s time in service can be dropped off at the Big Sky Chapel prior to Sunday to be used in a display.
The homily will be delivered by Admiral William J. Fallon retired from the U.S. Navy after a distinguished 40 year career of military and strategic leadership.
As head of U.S. Central Command, Admiral Fallon directed all U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia and Horn of Africa, focusing on combat efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He led the U.S. Pacific Command for two years, directing political-military activities in the Asia-Pacific region. His achievements include a resumption of military engagement with China, new outreach to India, a new agreement on a strategic framework with Japan, and humanitarian assistance to the victims of the 2004 Tsunami in SE Asia. He also served as Presidential Envoy to Japan, handling bi-lateral relations after the collision of a U.S. submarine and a Japanese fishing vessel.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Admiral Fallon was serving in the Pentagon as Vice Chief of the Navy. He personally directed the recovery of the Navy staff in the wake of the attack and led in the planning of the retaliatory attacks on Al Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan. He later commanded the U.S. Atlantic Fleet and U.S. Fleet Forces Command, with responsibility for the readiness of U.S. Naval forces worldwide.
Admiral Fallon began his Navy career as a combat aviator flying from an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War and participated in many vital U.S. military operations during the Cold War. He led a Carrier Air Wing in combat during the Gulf War of 1991, and commanded a Navy Battle Group and the U.S. 6th Fleet Battle Force during NATO military operations in Bosnia.
Admiral Fallon was a Robert E. Wilhelm Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Center for International Studies and currently chairs the Center’s Advisory Board. He is a graduate of Villanova University, the U.S. Naval War College, the National War College, and has an MA in International Studies from Old Dominion University.
