Prayer Service Honors George McGovern

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
October 25, 2012 10:17 PM


Hundreds of people made their way to First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls to attend a prayer service in honor of George Mcgovern.

The service was beautiful and the sanctuary was packed with hundreds of people honoring & remembering George McGovern.

His family provided those in attendance with a program that featured his picture and a quote that said, When you meet your maker and he asks, ‘Have you fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, and cared for the lonely?’ you can answer, ‘Yes.’

Music filled the air in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, which created a warm and cozy atmosphere for guests paying their respects to George McGovern.

Large images of McGovern hung from projectors for all of McGovern’s family, friends and colleagues to see.

People wiped their tears as the service included a taped speech from McGovern, when he ran for President against Richard Nixon, representing the Democratic Party back in 1972.

Among the hundreds of guests in attendance, Vice President Joe Biden, attended to show his respect for McGovern, they served together in the Senate.

Biden said many people asked how he could be here while campaigning for the General Election.

"Where I come from the question is how could you not be here for a man that did so much for so many people," said Biden.

He referenced a phrase that shows McGovern’s passion for the United States.

"His phrase in his speech, we love this country, I don't know anybody who loved this country more than George McGovern," said Biden.

President of Dakota Wesleyan University, Bob Duffet, shared many kind words about McGovern.

"George was an exceedingly bright man, this was a gift from birth, yet he developed this gift by reading and writing, two habits that sharpened the intellect," said Duffet.

Former Democratic Representative Stephanie Herseth talked about the selflessness of McGovern.

"It wasn’t about him, it was about the causes, to encourage people to commit themselves to making a difference," said Herseth.

She rememberd his world movement to put food on the table for those hungry.

"To seize opportunities to make a difference to alleviate hunger and malnutrition," said Herseth.

Steve Hildebrand, family spokesperson for the McGovern family said his connection with McGovern began at age 10, when he first shook McGovern’s hand at an event at the Corn Palace.

"What George McGovern taught me more than anything else, you speak your mind. More politicians from both sides should learn from George McGovern," said Hildebrand.

The stories and memories of George McGovern are endless and for those who were touched by the life of George McGovern, both here in South Dakota and across the nation, he's leaving behind a legacy that will last forever.

Vice President Joe Biden ended his speech by saying, "As an Irish Catholic this is the best thing you can say to a man, and I say this to you George McGovern, you were a good and decent man,” said Biden.

McGovern’s funeral will take place on Friday at 1:00 at the Washington Pavilion.
     
The service will be broadcasted live on KDLT NEWS.