
FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Fort Knox Religious Support Office held its Mother’s Day celebration May 10 on the lawn of Cavalry Chapel on post as congregants watched from the safety of their vehicles.
In what’s become a familiar drive-in service during the COVID-19 pandemic, Soldiers handed out carnations to each mother in attendance, and roses were given to the oldest mother, the newest mother, and the mother with the most children.
Signs directed Soldiers and civilians to adjust their vehicle radios to FM 100.1 to hear the singers, benediction prayer and the message, and worshippers were encouraged to honk in support and agreement throughout the celebration.
In an interview before the service, Chaplain (Maj.) Anthony Woodard, brigade chaplain for 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center and pastor of the Gospel Service at Cavalry Chapel, said this year’s celebration of mothers has drawn considerations that past years didn’t.
“Normally, there would be many people traveling to see their mothers or grandmothers, but with COVID-19, there will be many who won’t be present with their mothers during this Mother’s Day,” Woodard said. “That love can be felt [more keenly] when we can’t get to them.”
He said he suspects there has been a new appreciation for mothers and motherhood, as a result.
“Mothers are some of the hardest working people on Earth, and in most families, they are the chef, the counselor, the housekeeper, the nurse, the chauffer, the wardrobe consultant and the accountant,” Woodard said. “She’ll do more than most people in a week, and outside circumstances have no bearing on these duties. In good times and bad times, mothers will do these acts of service for the family.
“Hopefully during times like these, those acts of love are more appreciated.”
In his sermon, Woodard said most mothers are their children’s first love.
“For most of us, our mother was the first to show us unconditional love, and the first person we loved,” he said. “The bond formed is powerful.
She’ll always be your mother, and you’ll always be her child; and that connection never goes away.”