Four Chaplains Service
A "Four Chaplains" Service was held on February 2, 2013, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the USAT Dorchester and salute the heroic sacrifice of four chaplains and the 672 lives lost at sea in WWII. The four Chaplains were Father John Washington (Catholic), Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed), Rabbi Alexander Goode (Jewish), and Rev. George Fox (Methodist). These four Chaplains were later honored by the Congress and Presidents. They were recognized for their selfless acts of courage, compassion and faith. Washington, Fox, Goode, and Poling gave their life jackets to other soldiers so that they might survive.
Held at the Parkway Presbyterian Church, Cumming, GA and hosted by Post 307, the event was well attended by approximately 12 WWII veterans and another 25 guests. The musical prelude was played on piano by Airman Zeke Farley, USAF Reserve and musical selections were by the Post 307 choir. Presentation and retiring of colors was handled by the Forsyth County Veterans Alliance.
Dennis Brown, Commander of Post 307, introduced each of the WWII veterans and other dignitaries in attendance. Charles D. Burnfield, Brig. Gen., USAF, Retired, read the saga of the Four Chaplains. Then Phyllis Singleton, President of Unit 307, American Legion Auxiliary, lit a candle for each chaplain as their stories were read by each of four chaplains who are currently serving the American Legion, the US Army, and the Georgia National Guard. John Arant, District 9 Commander, provided the Benediction and Tim Anderson of Bugles Across America played Taps.
Following the service, an abundant luncheon was provided by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 307.
Dennis Brown, Commander of Post 307, introduced each of the WWII veterans and other dignitaries in attendance. Charles D. Burnfield, Brig. Gen., USAF, Retired, read the saga of the Four Chaplains. Then Phyllis Singleton, President of Unit 307, American Legion Auxiliary, lit a candle for each chaplain as their stories were read by each of four chaplains who are currently serving the American Legion, the US Army, and the Georgia National Guard. John Arant, District 9 Commander, provided the Benediction and Tim Anderson of Bugles Across America played Taps.
Following the service, an abundant luncheon was provided by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 307.
2013 Oratorical Contest
Priscilla and Titus Clark
On February 11, 2013, the annual Oratorical Contest was held at the National Guard Armory as part of the monthly General Membership Meeting. The evening was started off by the Auxilliary providing a wonderful supper for participating legionaires. After the normal opening ceremony traditions, Post Commander Dennis Brown acknowledged the visitors and new members present, then turned the meeting over to the Oratorical Contest.
The Oratorical Contest was hosted by Frank Singleton, Post 307 Junior Vice Commander, and Phyllis Singleton, President of the Post 307 Auxilliary. Once again, the winner was Priscilla Faith Clark and the Runner-up was Titus Clark. Priscilla received a check for $250 and Titus received a check for $150. Priscilla will go on to the District 9 contest and, hopefully, win all the contests through the state and on to Nationals.
The Oratorical Contest was hosted by Frank Singleton, Post 307 Junior Vice Commander, and Phyllis Singleton, President of the Post 307 Auxilliary. Once again, the winner was Priscilla Faith Clark and the Runner-up was Titus Clark. Priscilla received a check for $250 and Titus received a check for $150. Priscilla will go on to the District 9 contest and, hopefully, win all the contests through the state and on to Nationals.
Following the Oratorical Contest, the visitors were excused and the General Membership Meeting was conducted by Commander Brown. We learned that the post has achieved 119% of the goal for 2013. Also announced was that we have approved to send 3 representatives from each school (15 boys) to Boys State, despite not having full funding available yet.
