Larry Davidson honored for 50 years of service

Feb. 7—A distinguished ceremony honored one local Stephens County citizen for his honorable service prior to a Chaplain's Day Ceremony in Duncan on Friday night.

The American Legion Dobbs-Adams Post 55 honored Larry Davidson for over 50 years of service to the community and the American Legion.

Bobby Marshall, Chaplain, said they wanted to honor Davidson for "working tirelessly for decades now."

Marshall said Davidson joined the American Legion over 52 years ago.

"He has been here, not only as a postal worker and general care giver for the community," he said. "He's been a liaison for the schools and he has without fail been to football games, supporting the Duncan Demons, without end."

Marshall called for Davidson to join him at the podium for recognition of his service.

"Larry Davidson you are hereby entered into the Dobbs-Adams Post 55, Duncan, Oklahoma Hall of Honor 2023," he said.

Davidson said he's honored and humbled to serve and he enjoys just being with his fellow veterans more than anything else.

"They support me," he said. "I appreciate — love them."

Davidson thanked his family for their support as well.

Next, Davidson was presented with commemorative coins for his time and service.

Following the recognition service, Marshall continued with the Four Chaplains Memorial Service.

The Chaplain's Day Ceremony took place on Feb. 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of when the U.S.A.T. Dorchester tragically sank on Feb. 3, 1943.

Marshall said at 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 3, 1943 the U.S.A.T. Dorchester tragically sank.

"Of 902 men that served aboard, only 230 of them survived," he said. "Many of those survivors owe their lives to the courage and the leadership exhibit by the four chaplains you see before you, who in sacrificing their lives created a unique legacy of brotherhood."

Marshall said there will be many memorial services hosted throughout the year, such as this one, across the nation.

"This service is tribute to those courageous chaplains and the 672 brave young men who tragically lost their lives," he said. "Further, this service honors all those who have served and whose courage and faith continues to sustain our country."

Marshall entered into a time of prayer for those who have served, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.

They honored the unity of the four chaplains and Marshall took attendees on a journey as he read about the U.S.A.T. Dorchester and the night it sank.

The four chaplains honored with a candle lighting ceremony included Chaplain George L. Fox, Chaplain Alexander D. Goode, Chaplain Clark V. Poling and Chaplain John P. Washington.

Marshall said each of the chaplains posthumously received purple hearts and distinguished service crosses.

"At this time a candle will be lit and a rose will be placed for each of the four chaplains as their biographies are read," he said.

A moment of silence concluded the Chaplain's Day Ceremony followed by Davidson ringing the bell, followed by a hand salute from those in attendance.

Davidson said the ceremony is a very meaningful one.

"The four chaplains is an icon record for the American Legion and should be done more often," he said. "Hopefully we'll keep it going and I'm very happy that they did it today on this day."

Davidson said he's very honored and humbled to be a part of this ceremony and he has been blessed to serve.