Faith Family Church in Fayette hosted its first-ever Hometown Heroes celebration on July 1 at the church, celebrating local veterans and law enforcement personnel.

Hometown Heroes was attended by more than 30 local veterans and members of law enforcement, as well as their friends and families. Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force veterans who had served in the War on Terror, the Gulf War, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and World War II, attended the event before an appreciative audience. The celebration was also attended by members of the Howard County Sheriff’s Department and Fayette Police Department.

The event featured a pulled pork meal, performances from members of the Liberty Jazz Band in conjunction with Pastor Jamie Page and Cathy Cox, and speeches of appreciation from local youths and state officials. Faith Family youth students Tobias Carlson and Kaleb Friebe addressed the local police and military veterans. Sandra Karsten, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, and Representative Tim Taylor also gave speeches of thanks to those present for their service.

“Today we gather here not only to pay tribute to those who have timelessly served our country but also to further celebrate the incredible legacy they leave behind,” said Rep. Taylor. “We honor your courage, your commitment, and your dedication.”

This year’s event marks the first of its kind, but event organizers are hopeful for many more celebrations in the future to recognize even more hometown heroes.