The annual Four Chaplains Banquet is an event unlike any other held in the United States. The banquet is a major fundraiser for the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation and supports its mission of preserving the Four Chaplains story.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story of the Four Chaplains:

On February 3, 1943, during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester, a troop ship carrying military personnel and civilians, four Army chaplains demonstrated extraordinary bravery and sacrifice. Amid the chaos and panic, four selfless men exemplified the true essence of heroism and unity. They quickly moved to calm the frightened passengers and distributed life jackets, offering words of comfort and prayer, and saving the lives of 230 passengers. All four men perished with the sinking of the ship. Read the full story here.

In honor of this incredible story of heroism, the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation hosts an annual banquet to tell this story and to promote acts of selfless service and interfaith cooperation in individuals and organizations.

Each year at the banquet, the Foundation also honors individuals who have lived their lives serving their communities. This year, the Chapel of Four Chaplains is honoring local Vietnam War-era veteran Johnnie Walker with the Legion of Honor Humanitarian of the Year award. Johnnie is truly deserving of this award for his lifetime of selfless service to the military community. He started the Citizens and Veterans Advisory Committee 11 years ago to help Cape May County veterans affected by homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder. The organization also helps with rides to medical appointments, building accessibility ramps, food, and cleaning. Johnnie serves as Chief Operating Officer and adjutant of the state’s Disabled American Veterans Department and publishes Veterans Corner, a quarterly magazine that provides veterans with vital information and resources.

Christine Carlson-Glazer, MPH, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Deborah Heart and Lung Center and head of HeroCare Connect, a specialty healthcare concierge program for service members, is ecstatic to see Mr. Walker honored: “Johnnie is a tireless advocate for veterans in Cape May County. I am so thrilled to see his efforts recognized with the receipt of this prestigious award.”

This year’s banquet is being held on February 4, 2025. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, click here.