U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Marks 251st Anniversary with New Hymn Adoption and Leadership Remarks

Fort Knox’s historic Lincoln Chapel formally added the United States Army Hymn “Eternal Father, Hear Our Prayer” to its regular worship services after a live performance by its composer, retired Major James F. Linzey, on July 26, 2026. The hymn was introduced by retired Colonel Byron Simmons and its ongoing use was confirmed by Chaplain Colonel Tim Walls.

A day later at Fort Leonard Wood, the Army Chaplain Corps celebrated its 251st anniversary with a service and cake‑cutting ceremony. Command Chaplain Eric Light highlighted three qualities chaplains need—grit, guts and God—while Chaplain Kevin Duke described the Corps’ breadth, noting more than 3,000 chaplains and related personnel serving the regular Army, National Guard and Reserve.