American Legion Post 115 to host memorial service dedicated to the Four Chaplains

The Feb. 19 service will honor the heroic Four Chaplains who sacrificed to save others during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester in 1943.

By Guest Author
| 6:40 a.m. January 13, 2022

VFW Post 8696 in Palm Coast. Photo from Google Maps

Palm Coast Observer
Your Town

by: Gary Owens

Adjutant, Post 115, American Legion of Florida

On Saturday, Feb. 19, at 2:30 p.m., American Post 115 will host a memorial service dedicated to the Four Chaplains, in coordination with many other local Veterans Organizations. This service is open to the public and all are invited.

Location: VFW Post 8696, 47 N Old Kings Road, Palm Coast FL. 32137

Background: At 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 3, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was tragically torpedoed and sunk off Greenland in the North Atlantic. Of the 902 young military men on board only 230 survived. Many of the survivors owed their lives to the courage and leadership exhibited by the heroic Four Chaplains, who in sacrificing their lives created a unique legacy of brotherhood. The Four Chaplains inspired many by giving up their own lifejackets to others and in doing so gave up their only means of survival. They were last seen on the deck of the sinking ship, with their arms linked together, and their heads bowed in prayer. Each Chaplain received the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross Posthumously. You may view more information at, www.fourchaplains.org and www.immortalchaplains.org websites.

The Service is conducted in honor and memory of:

Chaplain George L. Fox, Methodist Minister
Chaplain Alexander D. Goode, Rabbi for the Jewish Faith
Chaplain Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed Church
Chaplain John P. Washington, a Catholic Priest

If you would like further information you can contact Rev. Frank Boone, Chaplain, Post 115, American Legion at 770.510.3943 or email at: [email protected]