Denver Seminary > Articles > Once in 25 Year Opportunity for Chaplains

Denver Seminary Home

Once in 25 Year Opportunity for Chaplains

Nov 20, 2008

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called for the formation of a Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC) to oversee national planning and coordination of the Veterans Day observance. As a member of the VDNC, the Military Chaplains Association (MCA) was the Host Organization for the National Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on 11 November 2008. This hosting opportunity rotates annually through the 25 VDNC members.

As an officer of the MCA, Denver Seminary's own Dr. Jan McCormack (Ch, Lt Col USAF, Ret.), who serves as the Assistant Professor of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling and a Mentoring Director, helped plan and lead these 2008 Veterans Events which were overseen by Vice President Dick Cheney.

Major responsibilities for this White House level event were:

To receive the Official Party for the Presidential Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
To lead the Procession of Colors, Prayer for Veterans, and Pledge of Allegiance and extend the Official Welcome during the National Ceremony in the Amphitheater.
To lead other Veterans Service Organizations in a wreath-laying procession at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
To Sponsor a reception for 325 Administration and Veterans Day National Committee officials and guests.
Throughout 2008, the MCA National President chaired all meetings of the Veterans Day National Committee.