For Bob and Kay Slocum the pain of the 9/11 Anniversary hits close to home. Their son Corporal Ricky P. Slocum was killed in Abu Ghraib, Iraq October 24, 2004.

On the 10^th Anniversary of 9/11 The NorthPark Community Church will dedicate the Honor Court — a monument to commemorate the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

Bob and Kay Slocum, members of NorthPark Community Church, remember the religious organization’s humble beginnings in a strip mall off Seco Canyon. When the church finally bought land and built a more substantial building on Kelly Johnson Parkway in Valencia, the pastor approached the Slocums.

“Our Pastor Dave White was always passionate about, talking to us about, we need to do something as far as how to honor your son when we get over to our new site,” said Bob Slocum.

However, after the Slocums met the family of Los Angeles County Deputy David March, who was killed in the line of duty April 29, 2002 in Irwindale, the concept of the Honor Court expanded.

“This isn’t just about our military, we need to honor and have a place to just commemorate all these brave people who serve us. So then it expanded to first responders,” said Kay Slocum.

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The Honor Court is described as “a place of reflection and a solemn expression of gratitude. It will also be a beacon of strength and affirmation for our local Santa Clarita community and beyond.”

The Honor Court is also an opportunity to thank current military and first responders through the purchase of a commemorative paver.

“Many of the pavers that people are purchasing to honor their loved ones. It’s current first responders now, just to have a place to say thank you, we honor you. They serve us every day and put their life on the line that’s our first responders and military and I think sometimes we forget how much our first responders do for us as well,” Kay Slocum said.

The dedication will take place September 11^th at 7 p.m. at the NorthPark Community Church, 28310 Kelly Johnson Parkway, Valencia.

A short service will take place in the worship center followed by the dedication featuring a 21 gun salute, the playing of taps and the raising of the flag for the first time.

For information about how you can contribute and support the Honor Court through the purchase of pavers or becoming Gold Star, Silver Star, or Broze Star patrons contact Kay Slocum at kay.slocum@northpark.com

Bob and Kay Slocum were guests of the KHTS Radio 1220 Morning Show Host George Cummings.