The Four Chaplains Service, which honors four heroic chaplains and World War II veterans, was held at the Livingston Senior/Community Center on Sunday, February 5, at 2 p.m.
The ceremony planning committee included: LTC Steve Hoffman, Commander of Livingston Jewish War Veterans Post 740; Irwin Cohen, Chaplain of Livingston American Legion Post 201; Charles Quinn, Chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2856, who was also named Officer of the Day; and Brian Boyle, Past Commander of VFW Post 2856.
The veterans’ groups were represented by Antonio Ciccone, Commander of VFW Post 2856; Peter Brady, acting Commander of American Legion Post 201; and LTC Hoffman.
Cohen gave a welcome speech which was followed by the posting of the colors, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and performance of the national anthem. Presentations were then made by local clergy members. The Rev. Dr. Richard Vossler, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church of Livingston recited the Prayer for Military Chaplains; Msgr. Robert Fuhrman, pastor of St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church did the invocation; and Rabbi Tzvi Allen Fishman, a Yeshiva University educator, gave the closing benediction.
The participating Scouts included Livingston Troop 12 of Boy Scouts of America, whose Troop Leader is William Brady, and the Girl Scouts of America, led by Lynne Vossler.
Livingston officials in attendance included Mayor Michael Vieira and members of the Township Council. The story of the Four Chaplains was presented by LTC Hoffman and Boyle, who also introduced the Legion of Honor winners. The introduction of the Four Chaplains, which followed, was conducted by VFW District Commander Thomas Bucca. The bell ringing and candle lighting ceremony was conducted by Brady.
The service concluded with the playing of “Taps” and the retiring of the colors.
