About the Four Chaplains’ Memorial of York County
The Four Chaplains mural at 137 West Market Street in York, Pennsylvania, was commissioned by Flinchbaugh Engineering, Inc., in 1998 and painted by Connie Burns Watkins.
The Four Chaplains’ Memorial of York County organization started in the early 1990's, when a small committee of locals gathered with the mission to honor the Four Chaplains and, in particular, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode.
Gordon Freireich, former editor of the York Sunday News, and Allan Dameshek, a local businessman and former director of the York Jewish Community Center, led the group. Their initial reason for the organization was to host an event, invite a speaker, and raise money for a scholarship fund.
The inaugural Four Chaplains’ Prayer Breakfast in York was held in February 1993, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of The Four Chaplains.
They never imagined that the Four Chaplains ‘Prayer Breakfast would become the annual event it is today,
with hundreds of attendees, thousands of dollars awarded in scholarships, and an endowment fund with the York County Community Foundation. So much pride for ‘service and sacrifice’ in our local community!
History of the York County Organization
Hal Carney
Josh Juffe
Royce Clemens
Rev. Keith Fair
Barry Freeland
JT Hand
Jody Keller
Rabbi Melody Davis
Lou Lavetan
Nathan Lightner
Paul Schiffbauer
Mike Sharp
Jason Lavetan
Bryan Tate
Current Board of Directors
Officers
The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation (Philadelphia, PA) originally established the Legion of Honor Program - Recognizing Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things. The Legion of Honor Award program publicly recognizes and honors outstanding members of society whose lives model the giving spirit and unconditional service to community, nation, and humanity without regard to race, religion, or creed
as exemplified by the Four Chaplains.
The Four Chaplains’ Memorial of York County continues Legion of Honor Award program in our community.
We recognize exceptional selfless service on the part of an individual who contributes to the well-being of their community, and to the spirit of interfaith cooperation in our corner of the world.
Legion of Honor Award
Four Chaplains’ Memorial of York County
Past Honorees
2023 Sandra Lee-Kearse Stockton
James McClure 2022 Genevieve Ray
Joseph Innerst
2021
The Rev. Patrick Rooney
Susan Krebs
2020
Al Rose
Jeff Hines
2019
Chad Merrill
John Bailey
2018
Bob Woods
Jody Keller
2017
Anthony (Tony) Campisi
2016
John A Klinedinst
Lucille Demyanovich
2015
Ron Herman
2014
Susan P. Byrnes
Cherriney (Cher) B. Kondor
2013
Elizabeth Tyler
2012
Juanita Kirkland
2011
George Eyler
2010
Jack Sommer
2009
Vann Johnson
Jody Appell
2008
Luther D. Sowers
2007
Henrietta Cook and Vickie Kling
2006
Craig T. Trebilcock
2005
Anne and Dr. Benjamin Hoover, II
2004
Ryan J. Sattler
2003
Dr. Julia H. Harris
2002
Dr. Samuel Deisher
2001
Richard C. Paul
2000
Atty. George H. Kain III
1999
Flinchbaugh Engineering Inc.
David Meckley
1998
Michael Wherley
Gordon Freireich
1997
The Rev. Canon Kermit Lloyd