On Feb. 3, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by a German submarine in the North Atlantic. The ship was carrying 902 soldiers, sailors, and civilians. As the ship began to sink, four Army chaplains of different faiths — George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling, and John Washington — helped calm the soldiers, distributed life jackets, and prayed together until the end. They also gave up their own life jackets to save others. The four chaplains were last seen standing arm-in-arm on the deck of the sinking ship, praying together.

In honor of their heroic sacrifice, the American Legion and the Chapel of Four Chaplains commemorate Four Chaplains Day every year on Feb. 3. The day is observed to remember the selfless service of the four chaplains and to honor their memory. The American Legion organizes interfaith services, memorial ceremonies, and awards for selfless service to mark the occasion.

This year, the Dunkirk Memorial American Legion Post 62, 211 Central Ave. will host a ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4. The event will be attended by Legion officials and clergymen who will plan special programs for the observance of the 81st anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by the four valiant chaplains.

We encourage everyone to attend the ceremony and pay tribute to the four chaplains who gave their lives to save others.