A Lowcountry native who served his country for more than 30 years and retired Aug. 1 as the 26th Chief of Chaplains of the U.S. Army will be honored during an Oct. 10 ceremony.
A public recognition ceremony for Chaplain (Major General) William “Bill” Green Jr. will be held at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.
The event will celebrate Green’s life of faith, military service and leadership. Following the ceremony, a community reception will be held, and the public is invited.
Green is a Hilton Head native and graduate of the former H.E. McCracken High School in Bluffton.
While serving, Green guided soldiers, families
and civilians with spiritual leadership and supported religious freedoms throughout the Army, according to event organizers.
"General Green's life reflects the very best of our community," said Thomas C. Barnwell Jr., advisor emeritus of the Chaplain (Major General) William "Bill" Green, Jr. Day Recognition Committee. "His journey shows how faith, family, education, and perseverance prepare someone to lead and serve at the highest levels. This celebration allows us to thank him for his service and ensure his legacy inspires future generations."
Some of the event highlights for Green will include a presentation of an official proclamation from the Town of Hilton Head Island declaring Oct.10 as "Chaplain (Major General) William 'Bill' Green Jr. Day"; a presentation of a proclamation from the Town of Bluffton recognizing Green's military service and connection to Bluffton; a presentation of a Joint Proclamation from the historic churches of Hilton Head Island honoring his commitment to Christian ministry; and military honors recognizing his distinguished service as the 26th Chief of Chaplains of the Army.
There will also be special tributes for Green from clergy, elected officials, community leaders, classmates, mentors, veterans, and family members. An announcement will also be made of a scholarship established in Green’s honor at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Donations are being accepted to help extend his legacy by supporting future generations.
The theme of the ceremony will be “From General Mitchel to General Green,” and it will follow a journey that covers more than 160 years in American history. General Ormsby M. Mitchel’s leadership during the Civil War helped lead to the founding of the Town of Mitchelville in 1862.
The town is located on Hilton Head Island and is known as the nation’s first self-governed community of formerly enslaved people and has gone on to become a place of hope for future generations.Green is a descendant of Mitchel, whose family roots are deeply connected to Mitchelville, event organizers said.
As the Chief of Chaplains, Green was able to achieve one of the highest levels of leadership in the U.S. Army and stands among the most distinguished military leaders to emerge from the Gullah Geechee community.
Information about donating to the new scholarship can be found at lowcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5983.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Bill Green Day honors retired Army chaplain's 30-year career
