Ely Cathedral Hosts Thanksgiving service

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Campbell
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Many English traditions are known worldwide. One in Ely, however, goes virtually unnoticed. Airmen from local U.S. military bases have attended an annual Thanksgiving eve church service at Ely Cathedral since the World War II era.

This year is no exception as members of RAFs Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Feltwell and others joined their British neighbors Nov. 25 at Ely Cathedral to celebrate and have a night of fellowship.

The English knew the importance of this American holiday and wanted to give the troops living here a special place to thank God for His blessings.

The Very Reverend Dr. Michael Chandler, Ely Cathedral Dean, said welcome to all that attended, and it was a great pleasure to see so many friends who came together to celebrate and thank God.

Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) David H. Cyr, USAF Deputy Chief of Chaplains, travelled from the states to deliver the Thanksgiving message this year in Ely.

"This is a historic moment, so great is our common faith and history that has been shared for these many years," he said.

"Tonight is a night to hear not only the past echoes of praise and thanks giving, but a night to open ourselves before the Lord and allow Him to fill us with His love so that our lives become echoes of praise to those who would follow us. This is a night to add our voices of thanks giving to God in this place," he added.

Approximately 1,200 members of the military and local area came together for this special evening. The service consisted of Lakenheath and Mildenhall combined choirs singing songs, chaplains from both bases reading scripture and leading prayers. The night ended with a pie social; just another Ely Cathedral Thanksgiving tradition that everyone in attendance enjoyed.