Lowcountry communities plan Oct. 10 tribute to William Green Jr.

Retired U.S. Army Chaplain Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Green Jr. will be honored Oct. 10 during a public ceremony recognizing a military career of more than three decades and his ties to Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Historic Mitchelville.

The Chaplain Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Green Jr. Day ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Community leaders, elected officials, military veterans, clergy, family, friends and former classmates are expected to participate.

Green, a Hilton Head Island native and graduate of the former H.E. McCracken High School in Bluffton, retired Aug. 1 after serving as the 26th chief of chaplains of the U.S. Army.

During his military career, Green provided spiritual leadership and guidance to soldiers, families and Army civilians. As chief of chaplains, he led the Army Chaplain Corps and supported religious freedom within the Army.

The Oct. 10 program will include proclamations from the towns of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Hilton Head Island’s proclamation will designate Oct. 10 as Chaplain Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Green Jr. Day, while Bluffton’s proclamation will recognize his military service and connection to the Bluffton community.

Historic churches on Hilton Head Island also are scheduled to present a joint proclamation recognizing Green’s Christian ministry, leadership and community service.

Military honors recognizing Green’s service as the Army’s 26th chief of chaplains are planned, along with tributes from clergy, elected officials, community leaders, classmates, mentors, veterans and members of his family.

The celebration also will focus on Green’s family connection to Historic Mitchelville.

Organizers have chosen “From General Mitchel to General Green” as the theme for the ceremony, connecting Green’s story with the Hilton Head Island community established during the Civil War.

Green is a descendant of Mitchelville, and his family has roots in the historic community. The ceremony’s theme references Union Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel, whose leadership preceded the establishment of Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island in 1862.

The community was established by formerly enslaved people and developed around principles that included self-government, education, faith and community. Organizers said Green’s connection to Mitchelville will be part of the Oct. 10 recognition.

“General Green’s life reflects the very best of our community,” said Thomas C. Barnwell Jr., advisor emeritus of the Chaplain Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Green Jr. Day Recognition Committee. “His journey shows how faith, family, education, and perseverance prepare someone to lead and serve at the highest levels. This celebration allows us to thank him for his service and ensure his legacy inspires future generations.”

The ceremony also will include the announcement of a scholarship established in Green’s honor at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Donations are being accepted to support the scholarship.

A community reception will be held immediately after the ceremony. The event and reception are open to the public.