Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things

February 5, 2018 -- Aidan Peterson, a 12-year-old from Ardmore, PA and a sixth grader at the Shipley School received the Junior Legion of Honor Award from the Chapel of Four Chaplains on Thursday, February 1 at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr.

Peterson also received a Senatorial Citation from Pennsylvania State Senator Bob Mensch (R-24). Last year Peterson proposed a state law that would give student musicians an excused absence from school to sound Taps at military funerals. Mensch drafted Senate Bill 540 which successfully passed the Senate and is awaiting a vote in the House.

The Junior Legion of Honor Award is given to young people who have contributed to the improvement of the inter-ethnic and inter-faith harmony in their communities. Their contribution must symbolize the sacrifice of the Four Chaplains to selfless service. Distinguished recipients of the Legion of Honor Awards have included Presidents Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, James Carter, and Ronald Reagan.

The Chapel of Four Chaplains, located in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, marked the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester on February 3. As the ship was sinking, four U.S. Army Chaplains gave up their life jackets to save others and prayed together as the ship sank. The Chapel has spent over 60 years recognizing ordinary people who do extraordinary things in an effort to keep the memories of those lost in 1943 alive.

Peterson is a talented young musician who is recognized as the youngest live Taps bugler for the military. He is a member of Youth Trumpet and Taps Corps, Bugles Across America, and Taps for Veterans. All three organizations provide live Taps at no cost for military funerals and events. Peterson and his mother Amy Shumoski traveled nearly 3,000 miles for him to perform over 200 hours of community service in 2017. Shumoski was also presented with the Legion of Honor Award for her dedication to her son and her encouragement and support of his passion.

In addition to the military Peterson has provided services for the Delco Cruisers, the Liberty Bell Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, and other local non-profit organizations. He is also a Primavera Artist and member of the Delaware County Youth Orchestra.

To learn more about the Chapel of Four Chaplains, visit fourchaplains.org. To learn more about Aidan Peterson, visit primaverafund.org/artists.