CLARKSVILLE, TN – In commemoration of the sacrifice of four armed forces chaplains during World War II, the American Legion will observe Four Chaplains’ Sunday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m., at Sykes Funeral Home, 424 Franklin St., American Legion Chaplain Antony Carmona of Post No. 289 has announced.
Legion officials and clergymen are planning special programs for the observance of the anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by four valiant chaplains.
These four – a Jewish rabbi, a Roman Catholic priest, and two Protestant ministers – calmly issued life-belts to American servicemen aboard the troop transport after it was torpedoed on Feb. 3, 1943. When the supply of life preservers was exhausted, the four chaplains removed their own life belts and gave them to four soldiers and then stood calmly on the sinking ship, their arms around one another’s shoulders, and their heads bowed in prayer. Their efforts were credited with saving more than 200 lives.
Inspired by these four chaplains, the American Legion each year marks the anniversary of their sacrifice through special services and programs. This annual observance is part of the Legion’s “Service to God and Country” program.
This year, Post 289 will also recognize Coast Guard Steward’s Mate Charles Walter David Jr., who helped save more then 93 members of the Dorchester and succumbed 54 days afterwards due to pneumonia.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP because of limited seating by emailing Ernest A. Schmidt, eaglewarr7@yahoo.com.
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Four Chaplains Memorial Ceremony
American Legion to observe Four Chaplains’ Sunday this weekend
By Contributed February 1, 2022 4:48 pm
https://clarksvillenow.com/local/american-legion-to-observe-four-chaplai... Article Published By Clrksville Now
CLARKSVILLE, TN – In commemoration of the sacrifice of four armed forces chaplains during World War II, the American Legion will observe Four Chaplains’ Sunday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m., at Sykes Funeral Home, 424 Franklin St., American Legion Chaplain Antony Carmona of Post No. 289 has announced.
Legion officials and clergymen are planning special programs for the observance of the anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by four valiant chaplains.
These four – a Jewish rabbi, a Roman Catholic priest, and two Protestant ministers – calmly issued life-belts to American servicemen aboard the troop transport after it was torpedoed on Feb. 3, 1943. When the supply of life preservers was exhausted, the four chaplains removed their own life belts and gave them to four soldiers and then stood calmly on the sinking ship, their arms around one another’s shoulders, and their heads bowed in prayer. Their efforts were credited with saving more than 200 lives.
Inspired by these four chaplains, the American Legion each year marks the anniversary of their sacrifice through special services and programs. This annual observance is part of the Legion’s “Service to God and Country” program.
This year, Post 289 will also recognize Coast Guard Steward’s Mate Charles Walter David Jr., who helped save more then 93 members of the Dorchester and succumbed 54 days afterwards due to pneumonia.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP because of limited seating by emailing Ernest A. Schmidt, eaglewarr7@yahoo.com.