Commemorating the Heartland

by Major Jeff Eddy

How do you commemorate the impact of a division and look forward to God’s future blessings? In typical Heartland fashion, it was done with an all-out celebration this summer, complete with commemorative flags given to each person in attendance at the division’s final event at the Scottish Rite Theatre in Peoria, Ill.

The capacity audience was comprised of soldiers—including the oldest soldier in the division who turns 100 this year!—officers (including many past corps officers), parents of the children from music camp participating in the program, advisory board and women’s auxiliary members.

Led by Major Beth Petrie, Heartland’s final divisional commander, the meeting featured wonderful music and video testimonies. Territorial leaders Commissioners Brad and Heidi supported the event. The territorial commander thanked Major Petrie for her leadership and presented awards to the young people who are “rising stars and future leaders.”

Video messages were shared from former Heartland divisional leaders including Colonel Dennis Phillips, Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole, Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson, Colonel Evie Diaz, and Majors Charles and Jan McCarty. Lt. Colonel Charles Smith, who led the division from 2007-2010, opened the meeting in prayer, and members of Brigadier Walter Kennedy’s family assisted with the award presentations.

A vision for the future was cast by Major Heath Sells, who became divisional secretary for the Peoria Area Command on July 1, and children from the division who had attended a very successful music camp led by Bandmaster Peter Kim, Dr. Harold Burgmayer and a host of other music leaders not only from the territory but around the world. In typical Heartland fashion, nearly every selection involved all of the children— 136 in all—singing, playing instruments and even dancing.

The event premiered a band arrangement by Bandmaster Kim titled “Alleluia Raise!” which featured the beginners accompanied by faculty and an arrangement of “When You Believe” by Dr. Harold Burgmayer which featured soloist Senaa Debela (Decatur, Ill., Corps). A quartet from the Korea Territory shared an arrangement of “Flight of the Bumblebee” where each time it was played, the song was faster than the last! Among the many music camp awards that were presented was the “Spirit of Heartland” which was given to 10 young people who displayed the loving attributes of the division. These award winners, along with several others, attended Central Music Institute this summer.

“It was a time to sing of God’s glory, to give thanks for His guidance,” said Peter Kim, then Heartland divisional music and creative arts director. “It was a time of remembering, of celebration and of uniting as we engaged to advance the mission forward. The retiring of the Heartland flag as the band played the benediction ‘God be with you’ stirred many emotions to close the chapter of Heartland. It was great gathering to end one era and to start anew.”

Indeed, every element of the day captured the essence of the Heartland. A message of love beyond lines and territories. An excitement in the face of change. Quiet innovation and leadership. Doing more with less and doing it in a strength that comes from God. Loving the unlovable, caring for the suffering and marching on undaunted. Though the name and borders change, this spirit will live on in the mission and impact of the territory, and we believe the future is bright for God is doing a new thing.

“As seasons of life wink into history, they offer opportunity for us to observe the meaning of the thing. Beyond physical boundaries, I have come to appreciate that the essence of the Heartland Division has always been heart,” concluded Michael Swanson, former Heartland divisional social services secretary and now territorial integration manager. “I am eager to see how these communities will invest their heart-filled ministry into the North & Central Illinois and the Western divisions.”