Every summer Sunday, around 5pm, two planes swoop into Port Alsworth with patriots. Veterans who have seen battle and were physically wounded. Freedom Fighters with invisible scars that need healing spiritually and emotionally.
As the planes fly over the town, and bank back for landing, the men and women peer out their windows and can see a crowd of people collected at the Hardenburg Bay end of runway AK51. The Port Alsworth community has gathered with flags waving to welcome them home.
It is often the only welcome home they have received!
Many of them went from war to the ER where amputations and surgery saved their lives. They've come to Port Alsworth to purposefully engaged in a thought process that gives their life new purpose. To be encouraged, prayed over, and loved on. To talk, cry, and explore. To heal.
There are often tears in the eyes of the warriors and their spouces as they walk down the line shaking hands with the Port Alsworth locals. And the locals get choked up too saying their thank-you's and welcome home.
So this year as you gather to celebrate the freedom you have as a USA citizen, say a prayer of thanks to God for this amazing country, and find the active duty and veterans among your circle and thank them for their service and sacrifice too.
Lake and Pen Air wishes you a very Happy 4th of July!!
If you'd like to learn more about Heal Our Patriots, CLICK HERE.
If you'd like to be in Port Alsworth to welcome our patriots home this summer,
give Lake and Pen Air a call: 907-781-2228.