Veterans Shown Appreciation Through Music

The World Mission Society Church of God’s New York Choir and Orchestra visited the New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus, NJ to thank veterans for their service to our country through musical performances inspired by the love of God the Father and God the Mother.

Music is known for its healing and therapeutic qualities, particularly in reducing stress and alleviating depression. For this special audience, the group carefully selected songs that the veterans would appreciate, including “The Bright Heavenly Way” and “Amazing Grace.”

The majority of the 50 veterans present at the performance served in Vietnam and World War II, all having lived through traumatic experiences. One Church of God member remarked, “I am so glad we were able to serve the veterans through this event. Although sometimes society forgets about their sacrifice, we were able to show them our appreciation for contributing to our freedom and safety.”

At first, the veterans were unsure what the group had planned, but as the music began, a sense of calm spread over the crowd. Some veterans closed their eyes and gently nodded their heads to the melodies. They were reliving a time when they used to sing those songs with their families and friends. One veteran, an old band teacher, jolted his hands back and forth like a conductor as the music played.

After the performances, the veterans gushed with gratitude and thanks for the members’ performances. Frank, a veteran at the home, said, “This was just so wonderful, so beautiful! I wish you could return every week and give this to us. It was just magical. I love you all.”

The event, which was held in honor of the 96th anniversary of the birth of Christ Ahnsahnghong, concluded with the Church’s message of “We love you!” and a promise to return and deliver Mother’s love to war veterans once again.

The World Mission Society Church of God, locally based in Ridgewood, NJ, is a faith-based, non-profit organization that strives to spread the fragrance of Christ through beautiful deeds of love. It has been recognized as one of the fastest growing faiths in the world; in only four decades, it has been established in more 2,200 regions in about 150 different countries.

The Church of God has received numerous recognitions throughout the world for its contribution to the welfare of society, including the Presidential Award for Community Service and a special commendation from the United Nations for its disaster relief efforts.