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In 1930 Commander Evangeline Booth instituted the Order of the Silver Star in the U.S. to recognize the mothers of Salvation Army officers. It became an international order in 1936, and in 2001 its name was changed to the Fellowship of the Silver Star to affirm the importance of family in shaping the lives of officers and to recognize those who “shine like stars in the universe as they hold out the light of salvation.”
The cadets of the Preparers of the Way Session honored parents and spiritual mentors with the ceremonial presentation of Silver Star pins at the annual Parents’ Banquet.
Fellowship of the Silver Star Secretary Major Arlene Dooley led the meeting and Cadet Michael Johnson read the scripture from Philippians 2, describing “children of God” who “shine like stars in the universe.”
Cadet Matt Madsen gave the tribute to parents and mentors, thanking them for their teachings about Jesus and stating: “In the pomp and circumstance of this weekend we don’t want to overshadow your importance to us. We love you.”
“Today is the day of the Preparers of the Way,” announced Commissioner Patricia Swyers, who quoted 3 John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” She thanked the parents and mentors for being shining stars in the cadets’ lives and requested their continued prayers and encouragement as the cadets embark to prepare the way for others.
Commissioners Philip and Patricia Swyers, supported by Dooley, presented the Silver Star pins and certificates.
Relatives from as far away as New Zealand, the Federated States of Micronesia and Costa Rica were inducted into the Order of the Silver Star.
The cadet chorus, led by Martin Hunt, sang “Days of Elijah.” Duncan Sutton provided the piano accompaniment during the Silver Star presentations.
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