Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie.
It’s July 9, 1776. I’m with John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. He has just authorized the army to provide chaplains for their troops.
JG: “Mr. Hancock, why do you think it’s necessary for chaplains to be provided for the men?”
JH: “General Washington has just issued his first general order that states every officer has to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country. I concur wholeheartedly, believing that chaplains will provide spiritual guidance for the difficult times ahead.”
Read more about chaplains and their role in the United States armed forces.
FULL TEXT OF GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON’S GENERAL ORDERS ON JULY 9, 1776
STORY OF JOHN HURT, FIRST MILITARY CHAPLAIN
John and Jan Gillespie are the founders of the Rawhide Boys’ Ranch; they have fostered 351 teenagers and wrote the book Our 351 Sons; they have also assisted numerous churches in developing youth programs and expanding their total church ministries. After running for U.S. Senate, John founded 1776 American Dream, which exists to demonstrate the vision of our founding fathers and help our generation of youth passionately embrace those values.
