Celebration at the Church of Scientology religious retreat in Clearwater, Florida promotes respect for those who serve and the importance of exercising one's responsibilities as a citizen of a democratic society.
Clearwater, Florida, May 26, 2016 (Newswire.com) - A capacity crowd gathered May 21 to honoring those who defend the nation and urge those attending to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens in a democratic society.
The Armed Services Day Bruch was organized by Florida Citizens for Social Reform (FCSR), a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization, and hosted by the Church of Scientology.
"Our servicemen fought for many freedoms, including the freedom to hold a forum like this one, freedom to freely exchange ideas and freedom to go to the polls and vote for or against a candidate or issues you care about. It is our hope that you will take advantage of these freedoms."
Joanie Sigal , Co-founder, Florida Citizens for Social Reform
Master of ceremonies and FCSR co-founder, Brett Miller, a U.S. Air Force veteran, launched the event with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem sung by Fort Harrison staff member Jeremy Moll.
FCSR Chairman and Co-Founder Joanie Sigal spoke of programs the group has carried out on behalf of our armed forces.
Guest speaker and retired U.S. Army Major Ruth Rymal gave insight into what it means to serve in the armed forces—when one takes the oath to serve their country, she said, that includes the responsibility to go anywhere and do anything the country needs.
Lisa Mansell, Public Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater, spoke of the role the Fort Harrison played in the war effort during World War II and the importance of supporting those who serve. She read a letter written by a World War II naval officer to the mother of a sailor under his command, explaining the importance of mail from home for troop morale and asking the mother to write to her son. The letter was written by her son’s commanding officer—Lt. L. Ron Hubbard, who served in the U.S. Navy and went on to found the Scientology religion.
“Our servicemen fought for many freedoms,“ said Sigal, “Including the freedom to hold a forum like this one, freedom to freely exchange ideas and freedom to go to the polls and vote for or against a candidate or issues you care about. It is our hope that you will take advantage of these freedoms.”
The Fort Harrison hosts community events and makes its facilities available to non-profit organizations for their programs.
Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison has been home to many charitable events and community organizations. A religious retreat of the Church of Scientology since 1975, the Fort Harrison has hosted over 500 community events since it's top-to-bottom restoration in 2009. The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard and incorporated in 1954. It has since expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups in 167 nations. To learn more, visit www.Scientology.org.
Source: ScientologyNews.org
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