FORT STEWART, Ga. - Decorated with lilies in full bloom and soft melodies performed by the 3rdd soft melodies performed by the 3rd Infantry Division's Brass Quintet, Marne Garden was the center of Fort Stewart's Easter Sunrise Service, April 24.
With a layer of mist hovering over Marne Garden's ground, members of the community filled the seating area as the sun rose.
Major General Robert B. Abrams, commanding general, 3rd Infantry Division, addressed the audience, welcoming the presence of those who attended the ceremony.
"I looked across the audience this morning and couldn't help but be reminded of the diversity of our Army and of our community," Maj. Gen. Abrams said. "Men and women, civilian and military equal of all faith, background, culture and race, all gathered here today. While there are many things in this world that separate us, it's good to know that there are a couple of things that can bring us together, Happy Easter."
Following the introductory remarks, guests participated in singing the hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Chaplain (MAJ) Sam Cabrera, Fort Stewart deputy installation chaplain, presented the scripture Luke 24:1-8.
"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead' He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' Then they remembered his words."
Chaplain (Col.) Michael Tarvin, FORSCOM Chaplain, was the guest speaker for the Easter Sunrise Service. He expressed his gratitude for being with the Marne Family on this special Sunday.
"I was more than a little bit excited when Chaplain[Warren] Kirby (Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield senior chaplain) and Chaplain [(Lt. Col.) Robert Whitlock [3rd ID] extended the invitation to come here," he said, "with the Marne Soldiers and Families."
His sermon illuminated light on the Easter Sunday observance. His message reflected the concept of life, death and the resurrection. Chaplain Tarvin said that one does not have to look far for life; it's all around us.
"As miraculous as spring life is and the new life that it brings," he said. "It fails in comparison to the event that we celebrate today, Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
As the ceremony came to a close, Chap. (Col.) Kirby presented the benediction and the brass quintet played the concluding performance. The guests at the ceremony were welcome to partake in refreshments.
"Today's service was extraordinary," Cynthia Bell, guest at the ceremony, said. "The example about the eggs, the empty tomb and the child spoke volumes. Today is a special and a solemn day. The sacrifices that the Lord has given us cannot be priced because he paid the price."
Soon after Chaplain (MAJ) Cabrera presented the scripture, Sgt. Kristina Doolittle, of 4-3 BSTB, 3rd ID. voiced a song heard throughout Marne Garden. She sang special music for the morning, receiving a round of applause from those in attendance.
"I've been to these services for over 30 years now," Rosemary Duvernay, guest who attended the service, said. "It brought out a lot of spirit within me. God is good, and it's a good Sunday blessing."
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