St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church to Honor Veterans During 13th Annual Communitywide Service Nov. 8

Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. and Senior Pastor Dr. Adriane M. Burgess to Deliver Keynote Address

As the Chattahoochee Valley prepares to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church will bring together military personnel, elected officials, faith leaders and community members for its 13th Annual Community-wide Veterans Sunday Service.

The special observance will take place Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church, affectionately known as “The Road UMC,” located approximately four miles from the gates of Fort Benning.

This year’s keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Adriane M. Burgess, brings a distinctive perspective shaped by her commitment to both military service and Christian ministry.

Burgess, who serves as senior pastor of St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church, is also a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, with 26 years of military service. Her experience in uniform and behind the pulpit provides a foundation for a message centered on faith, sacrifice, leadership and perseverance.

Her keynote address, “Coming to Terms with Our Assignment: Hope for a New Day,” will explore the intersection of military duty, spiritual responsibility and the importance of maintaining hope through life's challenges.

The annual service has become a community tradition, recognizing the sacrifices of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families while emphasizing the relationship between the military community and the residents of Columbus and the surrounding Chattahoochee Valley.

The event is also expected to draw a distinguished gathering of local, state and federal leaders.

Among those announced as attending are Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson and his wife, Karon, along with members of Congress, U.S. senators, the Columbus city manager and members of the Columbus City Council.

Their anticipated participation reflects the communitywide nature of the observance and the importance of recognizing the contributions of military families to the region.

With Fort Benning serving as a cornerstone of the area's military presence, the Veterans Sunday Service offers an opportunity for residents, civic leaders and faith communities to come together in appreciation of those who have answered the call to serve.

Beyond recognizing military accomplishments, the observance seeks to honor the families who endure deployments, separations and the challenges associated with military life.

As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the Nov. 8 service will serve as a reminder that honoring veterans extends beyond a single holiday. It is an ongoing commitment to recognizing their sacrifices, supporting their families and acknowledging their contributions to the community.

The 13th Annual Community-wide Veterans Sunday Service will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church in Columbus.