My brother George
December 1, 2008 – 6:00 am
Today I have only one memory of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, to share. That is the memory my brother George Hewitt related to me the other night.
George was honored a few weeks ago as the recipient of the 2008 Spirit, Mind & Body award by the Eastern Delaware County YMCA for his outstanding dedication and service to the community. I had known George was active, but let me mention just a few of his many activities.
George was a parish minister in the Methodist Church for over 42 years until his retirement in 1984 when he became Director of the Department of Pastoral Care at Delaware County Memorial Hospital. At the age of 86, he still goes to work every day, ministering to patients and staff alike.
His community involvement includes the Boy Scouts of America, Rotary International, Freemasons, Delco Child Care Center, American Cancer Society, the Community YMCA, Upper Darby Community Outreach Corporation, and the Sellers Library. In many of these activities he has held leadership positions and received awards for his distinguished service. George has been awarded the Freedoms’ Foundation Medal of Honor, and the Legion of Merit Award from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains.
Back in 1941 George was a college sophomore in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. One week before Pearl Harbor Day, he was appointed to be Pastor of the South Avis Community Church. While visiting in a parishioner’s home, word of the bombing of our ships at Pearl Harbor came over the radio. A young son serving in the Navy was at home that day. Immediately he received word to report back to the naval base in Bainbridge, Maryland. Shortly thereafter he was dispatched overseas.
As a 19 year old college student, George felt a heavy responsibility while he led the family in prayer for the safety of their son.
For more stories of World War II, go to www.peggeorge.com.
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