National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Honoring Gold Star families has long been an American tradition. Beginning in World War I, families in the United States would fly flags with blue stars, each one representing a member of their family serving in the military. If a loved one died in service, their blue star would be replaced with a gold one. This began the military tradition of recognizing and honoring the sacrifice of these soldiers and their families with the symbol of the Gold Star.

On June 24, 1946, a Gold Star Memorial service was held right here in Lynchburg, Virginia. The service honored the 180 Lynchburg natives who lost their lives serving during World War II. The event was attended by 8,000 citizens who heard an address from the Chief of Chaplains, Major General Luther D. Miller. Military dignitaries and local church leaders paid their respects.

The memorial was an expression of the community’s love and care for those that paid the ultimate price for their country. As the name of each fallen soldier was called, a large star was lit in their honor. In this speech honoring the fallen, the Chief of Chaplains expressed his belief that “all nations and men must be free.”

The names of these fallen soldiers can be found on Monument Terrace, a local landmark, and in images shown on the program cover.

Photo 1: A WWI rally at Lynchburg Monument Terrace. While this gathering took place decades before the Gold Star Memorial, this photo gives an indication of what the service could have looked like.

Photo 2: A bird’s-eye view from the too of the terrace. This photo was taken some time after 1926 and may give a more accurate depiction of what downtown Lynchburg looked like during the Gold Star Service.

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A chaplain’s words can build bridges between the battlefield and the home front.

On May 28, 1951, Chaplain John Burkhalter wrote to Reverend Hern and his wife to offer comfort. The subject? Their son Van’s service with the 51st Signal Battalion during the Korean War. In his letter, Chaplain Burkhalter reassured the Herns that their son was in “the best company” and that his battalion was doing “the best work here in Korea.”

This simple letter displays the vital role of chaplains both in military ministry and providing emotional support for soldiers` families. Readers are reminded of the chaplain’s comforting role in Rev. Hern’s appreciative reply: “Thanks for your kind words. They were so assuring for parents back here who have the same anxieties for their sons as those of World War II, even though we are told this [Korean War] ‘is not an official war.’ That has a pretty hollow sound to some of us.” Rev. Hern’s honest words highlight the often-overlooked emotional strain carried by many Americans during this era.

The letters in our collection reveal that chaplains have been building bridges between servicemembers and their families as far back as the Civil War. Come take a tour to see other letters written by chaplains and stay tuned for more posts regarding the inspiring ministry of Chaplain Burkhalter.

Photo 1: Ch. Burkhalter’s letter to Rev. and Mrs. Hern. In it, he assures the parents that their son Van is doing well with the 51st Signal Battalion, which served in the Korean War.

Photo 2: Rev. Hearn’s grateful reply. This letter highlights the power of the chaplaincy both abroad and on the home front. It also highlights the powerful emotions surrounding Cold War tensions in America.

Photo 3: Southern Baptist Chaplain John G. Burkhalter leading a worship service. Chaplain Burkhalter served in World War II (playing an inspiring role in the Allied D-Day invasion) and in Korea. Notice the field organ in the background, and come into the museum to see one for yourself!

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