As a member of the national organization of the American Legion Post No. 1, and as a Navy Vietnam veteran of the Vietnam era, I would like to report about an interesting event at St. Anastasia parish in Douglaston.
In 2017, the Archdiocese for Military Services announced that the United States Military might soon have a patron saint, Lieutenant Father Vincent R. Capodanno.
Father Capodanno was a heroic Catholic priest who served in the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Metal of Honor.
On Monday, Nov. 12, on the observed Veterans Day at 12 p.m., there will be a viewing of a 90-minute, award-winning film about the life of Father Vincent R. Capodanno titled, “Called and Chosen,” in Father Smith Hall at St. Anastasia parish, located at 45-14 245th St. in Douglaston.
The film is about the life of this virtuous priest from his early childhood in New York to the ultimate sacrifice of giving his life on the battlefield in Vietnam on Sept. 4, 1967.
Special guest, George Philips, will be present to share his personal experience of Capodanno on the tragic day in Vietnam and why he should be named a saint for the Catholic Church and for all veterans.
Space is limited so please RSVP by calling 718-631-4454. A light lunch will be provided.
I urge all who can to please attend this worthwhile event about a good man that had dedicated his life in serving God and country.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Mineola
