| Legion Chaplain by Chaplain Jim Bellew |
| It is the Veteran Author unknown It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote. It is the VETERAN, not the protester who has give us the right to burn the flag. It is the VETERAN, who respects and salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag, whose coffin is draped by the Flag. |
| Sites to Visit: The Final Roll Call The Longest Journey ~ Going Home ~ |
| Contact: Legion Chaplain |
| Please Visit American Legion Post 11-11 North Jefferson County, Colorado |
| © 2006-2007 Legion Chaplain - This site was written and is maintained by Chaplain Jim Bellew @ Call Your Office. For inquires call 303-495-3152 |
Reasons to be a Chaplain
As I sit here pondering just what I’m going to use for my home page -- not wanting to disappoint all the
Chaplains that serve our Veterans, all volunteers, the cost -- the time all have given, expenses -- all out of
pocket, all so nobly dedicated to the cause of helping others . . .
I stop, look in the mirror, I imagine myself wearing my uniform of 30 plus years ago; remembering the pride I
once felt every time I put it on; I remember arriving home on my first leave, feeling so proud of my uniform, so
proud of serving my America; and the glow in my parents eyes . . . no longer a boy anymore and realizing my
flag, The American Flag, stands for hope and freedom all over the world.
I also recollect the smoldering cynicism and the feeling of almost complete alienation from some people in my
own country; at times, there seemed to be more enemies here than in foreign lands. Which brings me to
remember, how the media worked up senseless people seemingly to aid the enemy, or was it to make their
own news instead of just reporting it? Similar to what they’re doing today? I guess I'll never understand how
some so-called Americans abet our enemies, causing harm to the countless men and women protecting them,
their families and their right to express themselves. How dare they not respect our Country and our Flag for
which it stands?
What I should remember, but seldom do, is the closeness of my eighth grade friend who moved away, later
hearing he was killed in action; my high school buddy who lost a leg from a land mine; a veteran suffering years
of the recurring nightmare recovering bodies on the USS Enterprise, never able to get that picture of January
14th,1969 out of his head; another buddy seeing body bags in his sleep from shipping them back home day in
and day out. How can you not have the utmost respect for those that answered their Country's call along with
those who answered their Final Roll Call protecting our Flag and the American Way of Life?
Now I remember why I became a Chaplain. It was for the Veteran who believed in God, but had not attended
church regularly for many years. Neither he or his family wanted to be a hypocrite and have a stranger preside
at his funeral service. I remember the expressions on the family’s faces after the service, the thanks they gave
for their father's service, and all the other families that came later. I remember a Veteran, dying from cancer,
feeling his comfort in sitting down with me to plan his own funeral. Yes, I remember presenting the flag, the 21
gun salute, the pride all felt for the Veteran who served his Country well.
All members of the American Legion once served this great nation in times of war. Some are still serving
today. Our members represent all branches of our mighty military force. We as individuals served in different
capacities -- some as grunts and some as officers. In the legion there is no rank in our membership. With all of
us having different opinions, religions and political beliefs, we come together for a common bond, supporting
patriotism, our community, state and nation.
The late General Omar Bradley stated, "Our military forces are one team - in the game to win regardless of
who carries the ball. This is no time for Fancy Dan's who won't hit the line with all they have on every play,
unless they can call the signals. Each player on this team - whether he shines in the spotlight of the backfield or
eats dirt in the line -- must be an All American." In the American Legion, we are all on the same team -- All
Veterans are Heroes.
I ask all Veterans to join the American Legion and get involved -- You earned the right of membership. "None
of us can do everything, but each one of us can be of service."
Chaplains that serve our Veterans, all volunteers, the cost -- the time all have given, expenses -- all out of
pocket, all so nobly dedicated to the cause of helping others . . .
I stop, look in the mirror, I imagine myself wearing my uniform of 30 plus years ago; remembering the pride I
once felt every time I put it on; I remember arriving home on my first leave, feeling so proud of my uniform, so
proud of serving my America; and the glow in my parents eyes . . . no longer a boy anymore and realizing my
flag, The American Flag, stands for hope and freedom all over the world.
I also recollect the smoldering cynicism and the feeling of almost complete alienation from some people in my
own country; at times, there seemed to be more enemies here than in foreign lands. Which brings me to
remember, how the media worked up senseless people seemingly to aid the enemy, or was it to make their
own news instead of just reporting it? Similar to what they’re doing today? I guess I'll never understand how
some so-called Americans abet our enemies, causing harm to the countless men and women protecting them,
their families and their right to express themselves. How dare they not respect our Country and our Flag for
which it stands?
What I should remember, but seldom do, is the closeness of my eighth grade friend who moved away, later
hearing he was killed in action; my high school buddy who lost a leg from a land mine; a veteran suffering years
of the recurring nightmare recovering bodies on the USS Enterprise, never able to get that picture of January
14th,1969 out of his head; another buddy seeing body bags in his sleep from shipping them back home day in
and day out. How can you not have the utmost respect for those that answered their Country's call along with
those who answered their Final Roll Call protecting our Flag and the American Way of Life?
Now I remember why I became a Chaplain. It was for the Veteran who believed in God, but had not attended
church regularly for many years. Neither he or his family wanted to be a hypocrite and have a stranger preside
at his funeral service. I remember the expressions on the family’s faces after the service, the thanks they gave
for their father's service, and all the other families that came later. I remember a Veteran, dying from cancer,
feeling his comfort in sitting down with me to plan his own funeral. Yes, I remember presenting the flag, the 21
gun salute, the pride all felt for the Veteran who served his Country well.
All members of the American Legion once served this great nation in times of war. Some are still serving
today. Our members represent all branches of our mighty military force. We as individuals served in different
capacities -- some as grunts and some as officers. In the legion there is no rank in our membership. With all of
us having different opinions, religions and political beliefs, we come together for a common bond, supporting
patriotism, our community, state and nation.
The late General Omar Bradley stated, "Our military forces are one team - in the game to win regardless of
who carries the ball. This is no time for Fancy Dan's who won't hit the line with all they have on every play,
unless they can call the signals. Each player on this team - whether he shines in the spotlight of the backfield or
eats dirt in the line -- must be an All American." In the American Legion, we are all on the same team -- All
Veterans are Heroes.
I ask all Veterans to join the American Legion and get involved -- You earned the right of membership. "None
of us can do everything, but each one of us can be of service."
As an American Legion Chaplain
| This web-site is designed to help others in understanding the responsibilities and dedication of being an American Legion Chaplain and what it means to me. Some of my views may differ from other legion chaplains and for this, I will attempt to quote from within our Chaplain's Handbook and Officer's Guide when possible. |
| Legion Chaplain by Chaplain Jim Bellew |
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| Legion Chaplain by Chaplain Jim Bellew |
| The Charge of The Chaplain “To you is given the spiritual leadership of this Post. You will, I know, lend dignity and respect to your office. You should be in close confidence with the Commander and the other officers of this Post, and should attend all meetings of the Post. You should be ready upon occasion to take your part in the initiation of new members, the dedication of halls, monuments of colors, and the funeral services for a comrade. All such ceremonies are made more commemorative by the use of our ritual. Into your keeping we place the spirit of comradeship of this Post. May harmony and unity prevail.” Officer Guide and Manual of Ceremonies |
