ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va. - Hundreds gathered at Arlington National Cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater for the annual Easter Sunrise service April 20.
"It's our first time at the cemetery; our first Easter that we've spent in D.C., so we thought we'd come to the service," said Hillary Scott, who attended with her husband, Andrew, and children, Jacob and Mark. The family lives in Atlanta and planned to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following the service.
As the sun rose over the amphitheater, The United States Army Band's bugler Sgt. 1st Class Troy McKay sounded the church call and the congregation joined together to sing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today."
Following the Lord's Prayer and a welcome from Chap. (Col.) Michael Brainerd, command chaplain, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington and a musical selection by The United States Army Chorus, scripture readings proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The sermon was delivered by Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben, chaplain of the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy deputy chief of chaplains.
"We who are the living among the dead proclaim 'Christ has risen,'" she began.
"He has risen indeed," the crowd replied.
She then spoke directly to those in attendance who were not sure about Christ or their faith.
"The risen savior calls your name," she said. "I'm glad you're here today. It doesn't matter who you are or what you've done. What matters is you hear the good news intended for you ... Christ calls you today to come to new life in him today."
Chap. (Col.) Charles Cornelisse, senior Air Force Arlington National Cemetery chaplain, provided the benediction and The United States Army Band and Chorus performed the "Hallelujah Chorus" to conclude the service.
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