On Feb. 3, 1943, at 12:55 a.m., the U.S. Army transport Dorchester was struck by a torpedo in the frosty waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Dorchester was only 150 miles west of Cape Farwell, Greenland, and a day away from their destination. The ship carrying 902 servicemen, merchant seamen and civilian workers suffered catastrophic damages, leaving behind only 230 survivors.
On board were four Army chaplains: Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed). On this tragic day, these chaplains put aside their differences and came together for the good of all.
Many of the survivors who witnessed the tragedy recall men clinging to the rails in fear as the icy waters began to submerge them. The life vests had run out, and many of the safety boats and rafts had disappeared into the raging seas.
Survivors of this tragic event told of how the Four Chaplains gave away their gloves and personal life vests to others. In the end, the four were seen and heard by many standing on the ship singing hymns, arms locked together in prayer. Survivor and witness John Ladd stated, “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven.” (U.S. Army, History of the Four Chaplains, Army Chaplain Corps)
So, in honor of the Four Chaplains, on Feb. 2, 2025, American Legion Post 62 in Dunkirk, N.Y., held a commemoration ceremony to remind everyone of the sacrifices these men made. It was also a reminder of how each of us can set aside our differences in a world that is so divided. City of Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz proclaimed Feb. 3-9, 2025, as “Religious Emphasis Week.”
The freedoms we share today were brought to us by people who gave their lives for those freedoms. We are free to choose our religion, we are free to choose our political candidates, and we are free to share our thoughts. The main thing that lies within our freedoms is that we, like the Four Chaplains, need to do it with love and selflessness. Embracing our differences and accepting others for their personal beliefs is the only way to find unity in our wonderful nation. “United we stand; Divided we fall”, (Matthew 12:25)