The American Legion National Convention and 48th Annual Washington Conference was held on 1 April 2008 at the Renaissance Washington Hotel.  Robert O. Baker - Chapel Trustee, Viola Bostic - Executive Director, and Bron Mogenis attended the American Legion (2.8 million members, the world's largest veterans organization) Washington D.C. Conference.  The Chapel of Four Chaplains Awards Program, inducted the National Commander of the American Legion, Martin F. Conatser with the Gold Medallion Award.  The five Vice-Commanders of the American Legion received the Bronze Medallion; the Vice-Commanders inducted were: David A. Korth, Randall Allen Fisher, Peggy G. Dettori, Thomas L. Burns, and Donald J. Hayden. Lou Dobbs (CNN) will receive his award in June.
Also in attendance at the conference were: Pete Geren - Sec. of the Army, Nancy Pelosi (CA) - Speaker of the House, John A. Bohner, (OH) - House of Rep., Richard Burr-Ranking - member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Chet Edwards (TX) - House of Rep., James B. Peake - Secretary of the Veterans Administration, and General Zanetti - Commanding Gen. Guantanamo Task Force.  [more photos]

Many organizations have recently held Interfaith Memorial Services to commemorate the legacy of the Four Chaplains - the enduring example of extraordinary faith, courage, and selflessness.

The segments below provide more information about a few of the services.

February 23rd, Oahu Veterans Council at the Punch Bowl, Honolulu, HI

February 16th, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 16, Cleveland, GA

More than 100 people attended The Four Chaplains service at Mt. Yonah Baptist Church commemorating the saga of four men who gave their life jackets so others would live.  The service was filled with patriotic hymns and a tribute to the four chaplains who died when the transport ship, the USAT Dorchester, was sunk after being torpedoed on Feb. 3, 1943, 65 years ago.  Gen. Russ Weiskircher recounted that amid the terror and confusion, the four US Army chaplains went about their duties comforting the men and helping them into lifeboats.

February 3rd, Veterans Council, Sebastian, FL, led by Dorchester survivor Ernie Heaton

Ernest L. Heaton (center), USS Dorchester Survivor, receives the Legion of Honor Gold Medallion award from Wendy R. Levine Gross with Senator Michael Haridopolis looking on. Ernie was thrilled to received the medal and certificate saying that it was the greatest day of his life. The ceremony took place as part of the Four Chaplains Interfaith Memorial Service held on Sunday, February 3, 2008 at the Saint Sebastian Catholic Church in Sebastian, FL.

February 2nd, Texas Independence Trail Region, Schulenburg, TX

The Second Annual Chapel of Four Chaplains Memorial Ceremony of the Texas Independence Trail Region was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in High Hill.  In honor of four heroic World War II chaplains, who died aboard the USAT Dorchester 65 years ago, the ceremony recognizes veterans for selfless volunteer service to their community.  A total of 41 awards were given.  The highest award bestowed, the Gold Medallion, was presented to Colonel Mykle E. Stahl of San Antonio for outstanding contributions to the well-being of others on the national or international level, to world peace, or to interfaith and interethnic understanding. [more photos]

February 2nd, Summit County Council American Legion, Akron, OH, Laura Dunlap, Adjutant

The January 28, 2008 issue of the Waukesha Freeman reported the story of the guest speaker at the annual Boy Scouts of America's Southern Trails District Recognition Dinner. Leonard Ponath was only 17 years old when he joined the U.S. Army. He was 23 when he came close to death. Ponath was a sergeant aboard the Dorchester, once a luxury cruise ship, now transporting troops to Greenland during World War II. He is one of 230 people who survived the sinking of the USAT Dorchester on February 3, 1943. At 87 years old, today he is among 19 remaining survivors.

[read the full story]

at the
SHERATON HOTEL
17th & Race Streets -Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
the historic "Chapel of Four Chaplains" will honor
Screen, Radio, Stage, TV Star, and World War II Veteran
MICKEY ROONEY
with the "Gold Medallion of the Legion of Honor"
Reception: 5:30pm Dinner: 6:30pm
Corporate Sponsor Packages Available
Organization Tables - Seating up to 10 Guests - Available
$100 per Guest
Other award recipients include:
Derek C. Hathaway - Philanthropist
Bill George - President, Pennsylvania AFL/CIO

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT
(Reservations Required)
Phone: 215-218-1943 or 1-866-400-0975
E-Mail: info@fourchaplains.org