The annual observance honors leaders of all faiths for their dedicated service to their local communities. Civitan clubs have set aside a week in February since 1963 to honor local faith leaders, inspired by the story of four military chaplains. On February 3, 1943, a Methodist minister, a Catholic priest, a Reformed minister, and a Jewish rabbi all sacrificed their lives in service to others on board the USS Dorchester after it was hit by a torpedo. They gave their own life jackets to other passengers and locked arms in prayer as the ship submerged into the icy waters. The story of the Four Chaplains has been commemorated in several books, films, and in song.
The proclamation signed by Mayor Still on behalf of the City Board of Directors calls "upon all of our citizens to show their appreciation and support for the clergy whose efforts make this community a better place in which to live."
The Hope Civitan Club celebrates Clergy Appreciation with a banquet during the first meeting in February, to which the members invite their clergy. The club also encourages everyone to show appreciation to Hope’s dedicated members of the clergy throughout the year.
