Funeral service for Georgia soldier, Sgt. Kennedy Sanders, killed in Jordan drone attack

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[Music] w [Music] [Applause] we we can [Music] [Music] Jesus how we [Music] [Music] can we he knows he knows he [Music] [Music] knows [Music] oh you [Music] got [Music] he will will all you got to do is know he will turn it over to him he yes [Music] [Music] he over let him it out for you he knows he knows how much you can h on there h on [Music] [Music] he wait [Music] [Music] turn [Music] bless the [Music] Lord [Music] [Music] TR [Music] [Music] know [Music] know you know what to do Jesus see he [Music] know [Music] [Music] bless God in [Music] Jesus [Music] [Music] I'm [Music] out [Music] [Music] h [Music] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ it's an honor for us to be here and a privilege I need you all to do me a favor I need us to fill this room with celebration and praise for a few moments for the life the Legacy the passion and strength the embodiment of Excellence for our Fallen Hero Kennedy Landon Sanders we can do better than that come on let's celebrate this life on this morning Hallelujah Hallelujah come on let's celebrate him just for a few moments let's fill this place with praise and adoration unto God hallelujah blessed be the name of the Lord and let's thank God for these wonderful parents whove shown such resilience and such resolve and in such openness let's celebrate God for Sean and onit of Sanders for standing in balance and maintaining their Tranquility not letting this disturb their peace but still keeping a smile in the midst of Crisis and dilemas still being joyful and welcoming our community into their life in such a detrimental moment let's celebrate the Lord for this hallelujah hallelujah [Music] bless God bless God bless God you may be seated praise the Lord thank you for indulging me Amen in sharing that moment with one another we thank the Lord amen we're going to have the opening prayer and we're going to pray at this moment if you're if you're here and those of you that are viewing uh they said that they don't want anyone recording are taking pictures but you can go to fluca fluca funeral homes Facebook page and it's being streamed live amen let us pray Heavenly Father we come before you with grateful Hearts while simultaneously mourning the loss of a brave Soldier Kennedy Landon Sanders who has fallen in the the line of duty we lift up our soul to you and to your loving Embrace knowing that you welcome her into your Eternal peace and comfort Lord we ask for your strength and Solace today for the family and loved ones Left Behind grant us all the courage to face each day with Faith and Hope knowing that our beloved Kennedy now rests in your presence we pray for all those who serve in the armed forces risking their lives to protect others and uphold the values of freedom and Justice may your Divine protection surround them and may they find courage and wisdom in all of their Endeavors give give us our Lord the resolve to honor the memory of our beloved Kenny Landon Sanders to cherish a sacrifice and to strive for a world where peace Reigns and conflicts cease in your mercy hear our prayers and grant us your grace to endure in times of sorrow and uncertainty we ask all these things in the strong name of Jesus and let everyone say Amen at this time we'll have a Old Testament scripture New Testament scripture Old Testament by Pastor William Simmons new testament by Elder Alonso James then we'll have a song by the voices of power and praise we will have the proclamation by our dear mayor Bishop Michael Angelo James we have a musical Tri tribute by by Nikki Davis we ask that you please come in that order at this [Music] time praise the Lord everybody praise Lord everybody prise Lord hallelujah praise God to the parents and family of Sergeant Kennedy Leon Sanders I offer my most sincere sympathies amen my prayer is that God continue to be with you God continue to strengthen you amen that that his grace will rest among you amen today the scripture is coming from psalms 27 beginning at the first verse he said the Lord the Lord is my life and my salvation Whom Shall I Fear the Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid it says when the wicked even my enemies and my FKS Came Upon me to eat me up my feat up my flesh they stumbl and fail though a host shall encamp against me my heart shall not fear though War shall rise against me in this will I be confident one thing I have desired of the Lord that I will see after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his Temple praise God the word of God for the people of God Amen the New Testament scripture will be coming from second Corinthians chap 1 vers 3 through verse 7 blessed be the god even the father of our Lord Jesus Christ the father of mercies and the God of All Comfort who comforteth Us in all our Tri tribulation that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the Comfort wherewith we ourselves are confided of God for as the suffering of Christ abound in us so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ and whether we be afflicted it is our it is for our for your excuse me consolation and salvation which is effectual in the enduring of the same suffering which we also suffer or whether we be confident it is also for your consolation and salvation and our hope of you is steadfast knowing that as ye are partakers of the sufferings so shall ye be also of the consolation God bless the hearers of his word there's a correction on the program um the proclamation will be given by commissioner Leonard bur instead of our mayor for I'm going put your hands even in a time like this you ought to touch somebody tell them everything going to be all right come on you ain't touching him I say touch him and tell him everything's going to be all right I got to feel it wa out in my soul every day every day will be [Applause] all he and he control everything let me say it again I got feel in my soul [Music] [Applause] everything yeah so Jesus tou me and he to control everything everything [Music] [Applause] [Music] will I got a feeling way down in my soul everything everything will be all yes sir can you stand there be a witness and tell somebody at every [Applause] time you know what he did he picked me up turn me all around everything everything be all he place my feet all Sol ground everything [Music] [Applause] [Music] come on y'all got the clap out there come on come on you are the clap clap and testify that everything everything will be all right oh I feel it way down down in my soul everything everything be all right can I say it again he pick me up and it turn me all around everything everything will be all right he plac my feet on side ground everything everything will [Music] [Applause] [Music] be come On's Church come on all right it's going to be it's going to be all right all right it's going to be it's going to be all right all right anybody know it may R the wind R right it's going to be it's going to be all right all right all right all right it's going to be all can I give one witness that wave your hand if you know it's going to be all right right going it's going to be all right all right it's going to be it's going to be all all right all it's going to be it's going to be all right all right it's going to be going to be we been made all and do for tonight going it's going to be going to I come to [Music] [Applause] morning on there it's going to be there it's going to be it's going to be all right no matter what it is it will it will it will all right right it's going to be all right be St may rise and the wind mayow in there come to tell you [Music] T be all right hang on in there hang on in there you got you got the H you got you got the H it's going to be all right it's going to be all right all right to be all right all right be all right to be all right come on you want to put your hands together come on just testify by two or three people tell them this going be all right y'all just hang on in there I come to testify it's going to be all all right oh all right all right it's going to be it's going to be all right all right all right it's going to be it's going to be all right all right all right it's going to be it's going to be all right all right all right it's going to be be all [Music] right [Music] [Music] [Music] it's going to be all right sound like we had a e or it happened to be above end city of w Cross Georgia Office of the mayor proclamation in Memorial Sergeant Kennedy L Sanders June 30th 1999 to January 28th 2024 and as I read this you can celebrate the various things that are taking place in this Proclamation whereas in honor of The Life and Legacy of Sergeant Kennedy L Sanders the city of w cross shall rename the portion of each Street stretching southernly from house Street to Kennedy L Sanders way [Applause] and whereas the city of w Ross railroad award shall hereby be named the Kennedy standers outstanding citizen Achievement [Applause] Award and whereas in honor of Sergeant Kennedy L Sanders love and passion for the game of basketball the city of wos will commemorate Sergeant Sanders contributions to our community by hosting an annual Sergeant Kennedy L Sanders charity basketball [Applause] tournament and whereas the city of w cross will host an annual dinner with all proceeds to be donated to the charity choice of the Kennedy L Sanders [Applause] family furthermore I Dr Michelangelo James mayor of the city of wi cross and honor of The Life and Legacy of Sergeant Kennedy L Sanders do hereby declare June 30th from this day forth Sergeant Kennedy L Sanders [Applause] day C W BL Kennedy El Sanders a great shout and celebration [Music] I encourage the citizens of this community join the family and friends of Sergeant Kennedy Sanders in commemorating her contributions to our community and ultimately sacrificing her life as she made for this great nation in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and cause the Seal of the city of woss to be a face this 17 day of February 2024 God bless [Applause] you come on commissioner then ver will come and add to what the mayor has proclaimed as well come on let's give commission good God bless you it's not a whole lot you can add to what mayor James has said what I do extend my condolences to the sers family I'm reminded of a scripture where Jesus said greater love has no man than this that he'll lay down his life for a friend so I think that we all consider ourselves friends today of Sergeant Sanders Proclamation and honoring and recognizing United States Army Sergeant Kennedy Landon Sanders whereas it is with profound sorry and a heavy heart that we extend our deepest condolences to the Sanders family on the tragic loss of Kennedy Sanders and whereas she was a dedicated courageous member of the United States Army who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and whereas Kennedy Sanders exemplified the highest ideas of Honor Duty and selfishness her unwavering commitment to defending our nation and protecting the freedom we hold dear will forever be Eed in our hearts and memories her sacrifice will not be forgotten and her service will forever be honored and whereas as a Grateful Nation we mourn the loss of a true hero I said a true hero a true [Applause] hero we come together to express our gratitude for kenned s's bravery resilience and dedication her sacrifice remains reminds us of the profound debt of gratitude we owe to those who self serve our country and whereas in recognition of Kennedy s's extraordinary service We Stand United with you during this difficult time offering a our heartfelt support and sympathy may you find comfort in the memory shared and the knowledge that Kennedy Sanders will forever be remembered as a true American Hero now therefore be resolv I Elma th chairman do hereby Proclaim for all W County Citizens to recognize and honor the service and memory of US Army Sergeant Kennedy Landon Sanders and call for All Flags to fly at half staff until sunset on the day of her interment sign W County Board of Commissioners chairman Elmer th thank [Applause] you [Music] an [Music] [Music] streng to [Music] G [Music] youu [Music] [Music] you the world alone reaches out for you to [Music] you you searchin and the ESS will melt [Music] away then a hero comes along with the strength to carry on and you cast the P aside and you know you [Music] can when you feel with look inside you and be strong and you find see the TRU that a hero lies in you [Music] know our heart to follow [Music] anyone them away and [Music] hold to my you [Music] find the hero the with strength to on and you cat when you feel like hope is look inside you and be strong and [Music] see [Music] amen wonderful song selection excellent song selection and the thing that I want to say two things I want to say that I am so proud to be a citizen of w cross w County this day and things understood need not be explained amen and uh Kennedy is a wonderful individual uh and this day is indicative and everything that has been said and transpired is indicative of the impact and influence that she had on our community and uh it's so easy to do what we've already done the th far because it's not fabricated we don't have to make up anything Kennedy's life and what she stood for was so authentic that we ain't got to get up here and tap dance and she is deserving of everything that was proclaimed about her today so I'm grateful to see that her impct act will even carry over even in her resting we're still influenced by her life amen so I thank God for that at this time we're going to have official tributes and honors and military honors and tributes Secretary of State award will be done by chairman Marlett election supervisor Carlos Nelson Pierce County manager ralh madx or Raphael madx and the military honors and tributes will go as such first sergeant wi Colonel Bulgarian Bri briger General lazarowski and then we'll have a song by shabria Wiggins now if I butchered your name charge it to my head and not my heart here come on let's give them all a good God bless you as they come [Applause] thank you sir in 2019 Kennedy Leon Sanders took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States in the Army Reserves in 2020 during the start of the femic at the young age of 20 she stepped up to the challenge again and became a poll worker for the we County Board of Elections and registration needless to say Kennedy was one of our best and most dedicated pole pad clerks she served we County when she wasn't on active duty serving our nation her heartwarming smile lit up whenever a voter entered the polling venue and her gracious attitude was infectious where County Georgia and the nation lost a kind-hearted soul and a young lady who truly believed in service to others Kennedy loved serving in the Army and she gave her life in the defense of our country the USA was truly one nation under God in her eyes she loved serving we County as an election official because she was a soldier on the front lines in the fight for integrity in the electoral process she truly embodied the American Spirit shortly after the news broke about Kennedy and her fellow Soldiers the elections office received an email blast from secretary raffensberger office with the subject line don't sit on the sidelines in it he wrote citizens play a direct role in shaping the future of their communities and our state this embodied Kennedy's Spirit the elections office received an official resolution that will be delivered to the family in honor and in memory of the sacrifice that they have given to our country at the top it says the state of Georgia along with the Seal of the state and the words Secretary of State and it reads I Brad raffensberger Secretary of State of the State of Georgia do hereby Proclaim posthumously Sergeant Kennedy leadon Sanders as an outstanding Georgia Citizen May this posthumous outstanding citizen be afforded every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from the state of Georgia we will forever keep you in our hearts and appreciate your service to your community and this great state in test testimony whereof I have affixed here unto set my hand and the Seal of my office at the state capital in the city of Atlanta this 13th day of February a. 2024 signed Brad raffensberger Secretary of State and along with the resolution he has sent a personal letter to the family let me close CL with this short prayer Lord remember all of those who are serving or have served in our nation's military branches especially those deployed overseas in defense of freedom for people everywhere we lift them and their families up in prayer for safety in the hollow of your hand and deliverance back to their loved ones in jesus' name amen good afternoon um Proclamation and honor and recognition of US Army Sergeant Kennedy L Sanders um we've had several proclamations and several resolutions so I'm going just summarize this one from Pierce County um whereas with profound sorrow and heavy heart that we extend our deepest condolences to the Sanders family on the tragic loss of Sergeant Kennedy Sanders and whereas as a Grateful Nation Mourns the loss of a true American hero we come together to express our gratitude for sergeant keny Sanders bravery resilience and dedication in recognizing of s Sergeant Kenedy Sanders we Pierce County Board of commissions do hereby Proclaim that all piis County Citizens recognize and honor the memory of Sergeant Kennedy London Sanders and call for All American flags to fly at half staff until sunset of the day of her interment signed Neil Bennett County Commissioner Pierce County there's also also a um house resolution signed and uh submitted by um house representative burette that's House Bill 1023 there's also a executive order signed by the governor there's also a um United States House resolution signed by house representative buddy Carter truly we have recognized A Way Cross truly American hero to the sers family thank you [Applause] Sergeant WI come on let's give our military good God bless you in their [Applause] pres ladies gentlemen and dises let me start off by saying thank you to the Sanders family for allowing me to speak here today I'm genuinely truly truly honored I am first AR Mark win the 718 engineer company re Detachment NC and I had a distinct pleasure of working with s Sanders when I first when I first met her in 2020 she stood out she was a private first class E3 in a unit filled primarily with specialist e4s and above after our first group meeting she stayed behind to ask me how she could advance in her military career we went back and forth discussing her career options and what steps need to be taken in order forther Advance halfway through the conversation I went from my normal serious demeanor to chuckling and then from chuckling to laughter I couldn't keep a straight face her big smiles big personality broke through my tough demeanor her personality reshaped my point of views that day another instance that stood out to me was during our annual exercise when we found ourselves in need of a do operator when asked for volunteers there was silence and then SAR Sanders volunteered to be our do operator this was amazing to me she had to be the youngest on the team she had the least amount of time in the military and she was the least experienced operation equipment but that didn't stop her she was never shy or scared to step up and lead by an example her bravery and eagerness to learn during the exercise made her proficient on seven different engineer equipment during my time with s Sanders she displayed courage she was never shy to approach a new task social agility she could walk in a room of complete strangers and walked out light or loved by everyone and selflessness she was eager to share her skills and knowledge with everyone and took great pride in being an example for the people she encountered from the 718 engineer company we sincerely thank the Sanders family for their support and sacrifices thank you for allowing us the privilege of serving alongside your exceptional daughter your family contribution to our unit is generally valued and greatly greatly appreciated thank [Applause] you Mr and M Mrs Sanders family friends Way Cross Community my name is Colonel Jeffrey delarian and I'm the commander of the 926 engineer Brigade thank you for the opportunity to be able to provide these words today as We Gather to honor the memory of our beloved Kennedy I am filled with both sorrow and pride sorrow for the loss of such a remarkable individual but enormous pride in the incredible Legacy she leaves behind you see Kennedy wasn't just a soldier she was the epitomy of dedication and bravery her journey with the 381st engineer support company where she served with distinction was marked by her unwavering commitment to her fellow soldiers and the missions at hand behind her smile was a fierce determination and a profound sense of Duty and purpose she joined the ranks of her engineer company not merely as a soldier but truly as a force to be reckoned with Mission focused to support the crucial role that the engineer support company serves in a theater of operation they are the ones responsible for providing shelter for troops building roads and enhancing security whether it's for short or long long-term operations Kennedy understood the significance of our mission she knew that every road we built every shelter we erected directly contributed to the success of our operations and she tackled her responsibility with Vigor and skill Kennedy's role in the Army wasn't just about completing tasks it was about making a difference in the lives of those around her whether it was insuring ing a smooth flow of supplies or leading by example in the face of adversity Kennedy was indispensible to our cause in the spirit of honoring Kennedy's memory and her dedication to our mission let us reflect on the motto of the 926 engineer Brigade our mission above all these words encapsulate the very essence of Kennedy's service a steadfast commitment to Mission regardless of the challenges that lay ahead Kennedy embodied this motto in every action she took placing the mission and the welfare of her fellow soldiers and her unit Above All Else as we pay tribute to Kennedy today know that she was deeply loved and admired by her family her friends and her comrades in arms and she will be missed beyond words let us reaffirm our own commitment to upholding our motto ensuring that Kennedy's Legacy and lives on through our unwavering dedication to the mission at hand for Kennedy and for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice Let Us carry forward the torch of service with pride and honor rest in peace Kennedy your dedication to the mission will forever Inspire us all [Applause] good afternoon I'm Brigadier General Todd Lazar Roski I was I am Sergeant Kennedy's Commanding General um I can assure you this is no place that a commanding officer or Commanding General wants to be but before I begin I would like to thank Mr and Mrs Sanders for allowing me to speak today friends family and fellow soldiers We Gather here today with heavy hearts to honor the memory of Sergeant Kennedy Sanders Kennedy lived a life filled with a purpose kindness and service her absent leaves a void not easily filled but her memory shines bright Sergeant Sandra just wasn't just a soldier she was a daughter an encouraging friend and a fierce competitor whether it was on the training grounds or the basketball court she shined bright even when battling it out in a friendly game of Uno Kennedy always gave it her all her competitive Spirit wasn't just about winning but growing and exceeding our limitations her fellow soldiers have told me stories of her outmaneuvering her larger opponents on the basketball court making unbelievable diving catches to keep the ball in bounds and singing karaoke with her bunk mates after work those were Testaments not just to her skill but also her spirit Kennedy wasn't just physically fit her mind was as sharp she was was always hungry for knowledge constantly seeking ways to improve herself as a soldier and a person from mastering her military skills to pursuing her dream of becoming an ultrasound technician she embodied the spirit of self-improvement and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps beyond the uniform Kenny also had a big heart for her community she volunteered in parades and let a helping hand wherever was needed she was was always willing to give back she did so with a smile and genuine caring that touched so many people she was a lover lover of movies particularly Marvel movies like her favorite Mar Marvel character Scarlet Witch Kennedy possessed a unique blend of strength and determination her absence is felt today it will be felt tomorrow no amount of words can trly Express the grief that we all share but let us not dwell on The Emptiness she leaves but instead cherish the memories she filled us with let's remember her let our memories continue to inspire us to live with the same zest and purpose that Kennedy embodied in moments like this when the loss is so significant we often seek Solace and faith believing in something greater than ourselves for some that hope comes in the form of an amazing grace this possibility of relief from the trials and tribulations of life this possibility of everlasting love we can find comfort in knowing that this Grace Embraces Kennedy's spirit this Grace watched over her in this life and now that same Grace offers her well-deserved peace and serenity in the next I sincerely thank Mr Mr Sanders for allowing me to speak today your generosity means more than words can express May the love and support surrounding you during this time bring comfort and strengths in the days ahead thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity to celebrate the life of Sergeant Kennedy Sanders who was so dear to us all God [Applause] bless good evening every um before I get into the song I wanted to um give a little joke about Kennedy um we were in debutants together and it wasn't that many of us our senior class it was only seven and um Dr Shana at the time was over us and she told us one day she was like um yeah we going to the nail place we going to get our nails andu done and Kennedy was like can we do something else other than that she was like can we go play basketball or something I don't know about all that and um it was like no you got to go you got to get your nails done and um we sat there and she was trying to figure out what design she wanted so we was like you going to get cheetah prank um and she did it and she she didn't like it cuz everybody was recording her and she was like it's not that big of a deal was like yes it is um also before Kennedy you know locked her hair she was natural and everywhere Kennedy went she took a big old jug of jam it was a green big old to everywhere we went Kennedy had that jam where I was like girl that hair ain't going to get no more slick you keep putting out a jam but um thank y'all once again I love y [Music] [Music] now [Music] your flag waves on in our heart and your smile rain in our [Music] mind I one now that it's all over [Music] you'll be [Music] superar keny [Music] keny we thank you for the love gave thank you for your heart K can we thank you for your service to [Music] our [Music] of wanted to turn it upside down one of where count [Music] Legend [Music] super keny we thank you for the love thank [Music] [Applause] you keny we thank you for the love you gave we thank you for your heart KY keny we thank you for your service to our [Music] country keny keny we love you and never [Music] [Applause] foret [Applause] Hallelujah bless the Lord amen we thank God for that wonderful song and my understanding M Wiggins wrote that [Applause] songen and I've been up here trying to hold it together you you trying to make me cry trying to keep it together up here but we we thank God for that song at this time we're getting ready for Reflections and uh we'll have Coach Mandy Lincoln F felter uh coach Alicia Gibson coach Rudolph Solomon and then we will have the acknowledgements by the staff we'll have a song by the voices of power praise and then we will have the L the eulogy so can you all do me a favor right here and just point your hands at the eulogist Pastor Kenneth ctsy and say bless this man today bless this to release a word release a word that will revolutionize our hearts our hearts and our community and our community in Jesus name Jesus amen you all come in that order good afternoon for those of you who don't know me I'm Mandy lingan felter also known as coach L and I've had the honor to coach basketball at where count County High School for the last 13 years this is where I cross paths with Kennedy Sanders she along with so many of these other ladies in this room have been my players and my adopted daughters I'd like to start off by saying how incredibly honored I am that Shan and onid have asked me to speak in fact this may be the most important job I have ever been ask to do Kennedy was a three- sport Varsity athlete at we County I feel a great deal of humility and responsibility to give you a real sense of who Kennedy was to US in basketball softball and soccer as a player and a teammate coaches teachers and leaders have a powerful influence on those we lead I consider this a sacred trust from her parents for allowing us as coaches to help mold her it is a privilege to have the responsibility and opportunity and obligation to stand in honor of Kennedy Sanders today Kennedy was my point guard and a general on the floor as you know the point guard position is an extension of the coach she ran the team as you know by now 's Legacy was her smile it was so hard for me to yell at her because she was always smiling I think she even smiled while she was running the 864 tws also none of her teammates could hold a lot to her when it came to eating I vividly remember our pregame meal on the way to State sweet 16 game at Buford after eating a full Buffet everyone was full and about to get ready to load the bus and I look over at Kennedy and she was stuffing her face with cotton candy coach Kirkland her softball coach coach Cook her soccer coach and I all agree on one common word to describe Kennedy the word is Joy To Me Joy stands for Jesus others and yourself this is why her smile was so contagious because she had pure joy she put Jesus first others second and herself last in John 151 12-13 Jesus says this is my command love one another as I have loved you no one has greater love than this that someone would lay down his life for his friends life is not about accomplishments wins or losses it's about investing in people and relationships this the greatest reward in life is a result of sacrificing yourself for another human being in order to help them become their best Kennedy you've sacrificed for all of us and now it's our turn to pay it forward you taught us how to Laugh Smile and win at this game called life Kennedy we are so much better because of you we do see who you were and from this day forward we will carry you with us in our hearts forever in fact your lady gator just won the region championship for you last night Mr Sean Miss onada thank you for the character you first sit in Kennedy it was an honor to be her coach and I promise to keep her Legacy alive forever at where County High [Applause] School good afternoon for those who don't know me I'm coach Gibson um after the reviewing last night um I had a tough time um I was there to kind of comfort my Lon sister and I call her Nightster not o um but she end up comforting me because it was tough last night um as I sat there thinking I couldn't sleep or anything and I was like Lord give me something to say because I don't have to say much it's about Kennedy but just just tell me how to say it so what came to mind is let me talk about her as a player when Kennedy was in the eighth grade and you all guys you guys know when we're way Crossing where kind of play each other and uh championship game the gym is packed and in eighth grade Kennedy like uh coach El said Kennedy was the point guard and the general of the were County lators and I was coaching the lady dogs and when I tell you I always told my girls that we can stop one player one player take her out of the game we'll win we couldn't stop Kennedy Kennedy was the point guard she had assist layups outside shots we cannot stop and we end up losing I told shandelle I was was not going to say this but if sha de would have made that last layup we would have won um Kennedy as a coach uh three years ago onada asked me about Ken told me Kenny wanted to get in coaching coach L also called me and I've never really had a assistant I've had a few assistants but usually I'm doing it on my own but when I tell you God sent Kennedy my way she became one of the best assistant coaches I ever had and what I let me tell you what I mean about that one day I was so sick I said Kennedy I gotta go home I said can you handle practice by yourself she I got you the next day when I came back Kenny say Miss Gibson they wern't listen they didn't do nothing I say I said Kennedy you're too nice you smile too much see my face you got to get mean like me and so and that was a joke between us but after then she understood what I was trying to train her just as a coach but I think she got it the next year um next year we were playing Brantley County and that was when Co hit and I messed around and got that Co and um I didn't ride the bus but I said I got to go and I kept a mask on so I just sat in the corner and I said I said Kennedy you got to do it all I can't you got to ride the bus you got to coach them I said well don't lose now I said because we want to go in that tournament as a number one seed so when I sat back when I tell you I just watched her I went back to school the next day and told Mr hit I say she can be a head coach she can be a head coach she handled that with Grace I mean she could be a head coach but two things that the lord gave me last night I want to share with you there's one song that always just resonate with me and I want to just tell you about it but is May the work that I've done speak for me May the works that Kennedy has did I mean did speak for her May the love that Kennedy gave speak for her May the lives that Kennedy touch speak for her May the service that keny gave speak for her and the reason that I kind of wanted that song Because as a teacher I try to teach kids about character and your character means everything and I've heard everybody speak about her character we don't have to get over to get over here like um Pastor said in the tap dance Ron Kennedy we know how she live so we can speak about Kennedy we don't have to tell lies about Kennedy we know how she lives so character her character will carry on through us and I hope it carries through the players that she coached that she taught you something of how to live and do it and if you g to do it do it right there's another song I just want to say to you is that the next song is we all need this and it's a song called Lord do it for me but it's going to be Lord do it for us and the reason I'm standing because at this time we all need you Lord I just want to like first of all for thanking onada and Sean for pushing me to do this because I tried to back out but on won't let me back out and what I'm saying to her family her siblings her friends her coaches her teammates and the players that she's caching to this community do it for us Lord we need you now more than ever we all have broken hearts right now and only you and you only can do it for us now I'm going ask uh a favor I need if you are part of the lady dogs under Kenny's direction or you've been a lady dog a former lady dog anybody would you please stand we had something that we did in the parents if you were a parent of a lady dog and we always did this at the end of pract beginning end of practice at the beginning beginning of uh our game we always said lady dolls on three lady dolls on three one two three lady dolls so when I say that I want everybody let's send Kenny off with our lady doll love now don't mess it up don't mess it up did you hear what I say lady dolls on three lady dolls on three one 2 three lady doll all right honey that's not right all right lady dolls on three lady doll on three one two 3 okay good afternoon do my name is Rudolph Solomon coach Rudolph Solomon AKA per onid Rudy Licious y'all been at hey that's only for her only for her so um I was uh I didn't know what I was going to say today um but I uh I asked Kennedy what to do what should I say and she told me um I wouldn't have it any other way but the way you and my father always Jed so okay Ken just for you so listen I um I had a front row seat to Kennedy upbringing for us playing ball and with her brothers coaching her brothers her father's my best friend Onida before she got married I seen her grow up in the neighborhood man I just first of all want to thank y'all for giving me this opportunity to come up here today and I want to thank y'all for the the gracefulness when y'all on TV on every interview everywhere was just I was afraid for Sean because you know I didn't want him to get up there talking proper you know so but anyway oida held everything down thank you oida thank you so uh when Kennedy was running for debutant you know on nid you know had to raise money or whatever so they were selling fish dinners so n asked me to buy a couple fish dinners so I did so for some reason or another oida must have felt it wasn't enough next thing I knew knock on the door I look out I said oh man Donna say what is it it's the police I say it's worse than that it's oida excuse me Pastor excuse me Pastor I say where in the hell she getting all these fish sandwiches from anyway y'all know the end story Kennedy run one miss deut because all them fish [Applause] sandwiches I want to say this about her father she loved her father she follow she would follow him anywhere I found out that she was going was going to military I told Kennedy Kennedy listen let's wait this thing out I was in the United States Army I say let me hear from the army guys there I say whatever you do don't go Air Force they don't blase their boots in the Navy that's just too much water your dad was a marine you want to act like he do when you come from basic training Kennedy went to the Army thank you Kennedy thank you baby so anyway I I y'all knew as Kennedy or munchkin I call her sergeant major she was a leader from the very beginning I seen it in her she would have made that she she did make it up there in heaven as God's command sergeant major okay now I'm not going to hold you long I just want to I saw the Air Force Ones on your feet when you came up in here and your Jordans but I need y'all to do one thing for me one thing for me stand on your feet and let's let Kenny let's hear let's call her name one more time Kennedy Kennedy Kennedy Kennedy Kennedy Kennedy Kennedy Kennedy keny thank [Applause] you [Music] [Music] all we will now have our resolutions and acknowledgements resolution United States Senate of Washington DC dear Shan Onida and family please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences regarding the tragic loss of your daughter and sister Kennedy I know there are no words that can provide true solence in this moment but during this time of grief please know your state and Nation Mourns with you and are lifting you up in love and prayer as we come together to honor Kennedy's life and selfless sacrifice Kennedy courageously answered the call to protect and serve her nation and she leaves behind an indelible Legacy of true patriotism and outstanding dedication and Noble Service as a sergeant in the Army Reserve she exemplified a word ethic and skill that is rare and remarkable Georgians and Americans Nationwide are indebted to Kennedy and I cannot overstate my own gratitude and respect but Kennedy was more than her service military she was an athlete a mentor a friend and a light to all of those around her her memory will live on in every person who knew and loved her her scripture reminds us though he brings grief he will show compassion so great is his unfailing love I pray you will hold this promise close to your heart trusting that Kennedy spirit will be with you until you are re reunited once again in the coming days and months I hope you feel the comforting Embrace of love and gratitude from your family friends and fellow Americans please know you have a champion in me and that you will remain in my prayers do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can ever be of service to you keep the faith Reverend Raphael warau United stat senator resolution from the Veterans of Foreign Affairs of the United States of America presented in the memory of specialist Kennedy Sanders whose Devotion to duty courage and patriotism has been so boldly evidenced by the selfless service in Supreme sacrifice in defending the freedoms of an oppressed people and ensuring the security of all Americans SPC Sanders sacrifice will forever be remembered and honored by those who share the common Bond of service under the flag of the United States of America this is dedicated by the Commander in Chief and the agitant general we will acknowledge resolutions at this time resolution from the House of Representatives state of South Carolina Robert Q Williams House of Representative District 62 from the Faith United Church of the Living God Incorporated Cathedral of Faith Ministries for Sergeant Kenny Kennedy L Sanders Bishop Leonard good and elect lady good from the greater Trinity Baptist Church Reverend Dr Alvin Wright S Junior Senior Pastor for the Mont cmer Baptist Church folston Georgia Pastor is Reverend Antoine Nixon officers and members of the mat cmer Missionary Baptist Church the Georgia NAACP Gerald Griggs attorney president of the Georgia state conference of the NAACP Edward o w deor chairman of the United States Veterans Affair resolution from the Jerusalem Holiness Church folston Georgia Elder Dr Terrence D Pender pastor resolution and love and memories of Sergeant Kennedy L Sanders humbly submitted on the 17th day of February the year of Our Lord 2024 Bishop Michaelangelo James and the Emanuel International Cathedral of the Holy Spirit church family also a special Thanks goes out to the shar's Hurst sales and services located in Mariela Georgia and also the Davis Funeral home of illa Georgia acknowledgements if I can help somebody as I walk along this way then my living shall not be in vain for no man is an island no man stands alone each man's Joy is joy to me each man's grief is my own we need one another this I will defend each man as my brother each man as my friend and as we acknowledge each of you the many friends family city of Way Cross County where County the state of Georgia the United States and the world we acknowledge our our sister Kennedy Le darn Sanders let's give God a and praise for [Applause] her our greatest source of strength comes from the word of God and in Ecclesiastes the thir chapter it says to everything there is a season a time and a purpose for everything under the heavens a time to be born and a time to die a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted A Time to Kill a time to heal a time to break down and a time to build up a time to weep A Time To Laugh A Time to mourn and a time to dance it goes on to say that there's a time to Cast Away stones and a time to gather Stones together a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing a time to get a time to lose a time to keep and a time to Cast Away a time to Ren a time to sew a time to keep silent and a time to speak a time of love a time of hate a time of war and a time of Peace this part of the scripture Ends by saying he meaning God has made everything beautiful in his own time and Kennedy Lear Sanders has brought unity in this city she's brought Unity not just in this city but she's brought unity in the state of Georgia she's brought togetherness in the state of Georgia she's brought love in the state of Georgia and she's brought Brotherhood so it is when we see Jesus it is amen when we see the man that died for us the man that who Rose for us it is a man as we go from this day on pray pray for the family pray for the family not just today but as the days and the weeks go by continue to pray for that mother and that father and that brother pray for them for it is when we see Jesus is amen amen and amen so may the work that I've done May the work that she done speak for her May the life that she lived speak for her May the togetherness that she brought speak for her let it speak for [Applause] her for [Music] we [Music] my [Applause] [Music] GL you [Music] [Music] you [Music] [Music] my for for e e e e e e e e human being some of us are human doings but others are are human beings amen when you when you love one another when you when you let what's in God has placed in you amen come to the Forefront then everything will be all right glory to God I have found who is this this guy that's talking to me oh yeah Dr i h one one year told me something and and and and I stuck a pen in it he says when you maximize every gift that God has placed in you you have no equal when you do everything and in life we're supposed to look what look what makes us happy when we pour our life out that's what makes life worth living uh someone said some years ago that you serve your way into greatness one faithful step at a time the problem with many of us is we want what other folk have without doing what they've done you ain't got to say don't shout me down don't shout me down amen I see people that won't recognition for jobs they didn't even do some people you don't you you haven't met them yet they won't show up on time they won't come and be a part of anything but when the job gets done they say look what we done I'm going to keep moving amen there's some lessons in life amen and I took this from John Wood the wizard of of Westwood he says turn you got to things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out who when you when you just go through life and somebody else said something and I I'm giving you all these things because I'm I'm going to a close amen I found out that adversity the The credibility of our Christianity those of us that's Christians how many Christians in here hold your hand hold your hand up high put that big old smile on your face all right I'm in good company The credibility of our Christianity is how we handle adversity it's to be able to take a licking and keep on ticking it's the resilience to bounce back when things don't go your way Amen to God when things are not uh pristine when things are not a huny Dory when people look at your crave y'all ain't saying nothing amen go I learned to laugh I got a farest dunp mentality about about most things in life anyway you know when farest grun mama told him stupid is as stupid does Amen stupidity ignorance going doing the same thing amen getting the same results but not changing I'm willing to change how about you I believe something is happening amen not only in our city but in our nation in our world Amen to God something wonderful has happened I believe amen of God when maturity takes place when we you don't just go through life you grow through life Let the church say amen amen and so God has shown me through this wonderful life amen he shown me something very very special I did amen make a few notes Kennedy's life amen Kennedy's life is her Legacy yeah that's right that's right that's right very thank you stay right there all I just had to Wet My Whistle y'all so crazy Kennedy's life is her Legacy what was the thing that you liked most about Kennedy I tell you what I like I like what what Daddy liked I like the smile too cuz there was something behind that smile I can't get no help up in here and I used to wonder how could she be so spunky and so little I can't get no help up in here amen and then and then the beauty of it is she had a way about herself that you knew that she was a leader it seemed like she knew something that the rest of us didn't know she was always willing to help willing to assist willing to fill in amen determined to make somebody else's life better amen we're going to remember her smile but we also going to remember her tenacity we going to remember her loyalty her service and this is also something I heard some years ago and I try to model my life after it about serving your way into greatness Amen to God anytime you help somebody you can never lose have you ever had have you ever had something that God that God gave you or a great thought that came to you and you said it and somebody else got it and act like they it was there and did you have did you have the grace to let them have it just go ahead you go on and take the credit my thing is if the if the job gets done I don't care who gets the credit as long as God gets the glory you don't have to be number one as long as the job gets done amen I don't want to be the face of it let me stay on the in the background y'all a say I love I love being in the background how many love being in the great background can I give you the reason why cuz cuz they shooting at the ones in the front I'm just saying everybody want to be a leader but leaders have to take the pain and you can't grow as a leader if you're not willing to take some pain got to be willing to be lied on talked about mistreated Let the church say amen amen everybody doesn't qualify uh Sam Chan talks about the pain threshold I'm closing amen I'm moving on Amen look at somebody and smile for the last time I'm going leave you alone and just say neighbor you're God's Masterpiece God's masterp I'm glad that God uses amen every life he uses life and and and and I've seen him down through my life amen use different individuals to make a mark uh uh uh Kennedy was one she didn't run a marathon she ran a Sprint but the the beauty of it is she ran her race and she ran it with gusto she ran it with with joy she ran it with Zeal she ran it with determination hold on and she was intentional can I can I help you as we close you're not going to get to the next level unless you intend to go if you don't grow you going to be in the same spot this time next year you have to be willing to grow and if you're going to grow there's some folk you going to have to leave behind you're going to have to leave behind people don't have a purpose you're going to have to leave behind people amen that's that's loves the status quo life is moving on and we've got to move as well amen this this world is changing and I said I wrote it in my notes missionary fluca amen did a beautiful job talking about it but Kennedy has left a m that will never be erased Let the church say yes now the whole world knows amen that Kennedy Sanders live amen not just existed but live amen I she turned up she turned up in life she turned up in sports she turned up as a coach she turned up in reliability she turned up in responsibility she turned up in accountability she turned up as a guarder she turned up as a sister she turned up as a teammate she was one of a kind of ked the original she worked at being her best amen being her Utmost For His Highest and this is the hard part be your best be your best and when you're your best you have no equal I'm Pauline's old boy I'm good with being me ask me why cuz I am [Applause] somebody I'm somebody cuz God Don't Make No Junk and when God made you and me he showed out Angel was trying to figure out what was the big deal when God gave two two snaps up when he made you can I get a witness here and so now then from the scriptures and the Bible say oh Lord the scripture says that you are God's Masterpiece Dr Young what does a masterpiece look like can I get a witness what does a masterpiece look like what does a Picasso what does a Michelangelo what does what does it look like there there's always some defining thing to it Dr Dr Michelangelo Jam there's something special about a masterpiece and here Paul said we are his Masterpiece oh God I feel like jumping on one leg When God says you're special you're special When God says you're important you're important Kendall you're important you are important you know what I've been having flashback Kindle of you singing in the youth choir you were so B but you got it out you were sounding [Applause] like and Christian came along y'all ain't going to talk up in here what listen listen let me tell you something there's something special in you Let the church say Amen there's something special in every one of us in FL oh there's something special in you I need you to grab a neighbor's hand and say oh neighbor you got the right one baby because I'm God's Masterpiece and the record is going to show that this day right here in W cross is a day that's going to reverberate around the country that people got together when one of God's good soldiers decided to say say well Let the church say and I came to tell you this that God is still able sonan and on you're not alone Kennedy left all of us a legacy every time we see her smile every time they have a benefit we're going to remember that she live she lived the best life and then she didn't just live it she gain itap her neighbor shake them don't shake their wig off and say neighbor look what a masterpiece a masterpiece looks like somebody got on the helmet of salvation the bre right Char with the preparation of the Gospel the sword of the spirit that's the word of God God Lo about with truth good day y may the Lord God bless you I'm glad this morning glad this afternoon that I got a charge to keep and a God to glorify recognize a young age I'm called to make a difference I'm called to be strong I'm called to set an example I'm called to hold up the the same man oh yeah America lost a soldier but Heaven an angel shake and it ain't over till God says it's over after the day I'm still pour in I to say this from the beginning the way we honor people we love is how we live after they G if she anything to you live like it if she anything for you act like it the first one to volunte the first one [Music] the church say yeah if you don't mind grab a neighbor's hand and say neighbor show me what you're working with show me what a work show me what a masterpiece looks like I'm sorry T I'm sorry Sean I be somewhere else at 2:00 and so good they are may the Lord God bless you thank you gentlemen thank you ladies thank you preachers thank you keep sh up after the day let keep loving one another after the day [Music] keep sh sh [Laughter] sh all [Music] right we have decre and decare that you are the God of All Comfort com our show to put your arms around this family around our city and around these great great people in W Cross Georgia and surrounding counties father bless in a special way these wonderful soldiers law enforcement that have shown us nothing but Grace and love I pray father that even you would search our hearts and let there be nothing in us that the enemy can use so at the end of the day you can say to us like we believe you're saying to Kenn senders well done th good and faithful servant and after this day is over be with be with the family and show us how that we can continue to serve them even through this season I ask it in Jesus name and for his sake and all of God's people say [Applause] amen for for for for [Applause] e [Music] [Music] hey [Music] [Music] made it I made it out right thank [Music] [Music] you come on help I made it out all right made it all right feeling right there made it all right it [Music] all [Music] oh made it I made it out all right right yeah

Channel: 11Alive

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Id: Z2JlaI0igWQ

Length: 144min 25sec (8665 seconds)

Published: Sat Feb 17 2024