Pictured from left are Ronnie Mulkin, Paul Oyer, Jack Hood, Rev. Mattie McIntyre, Pastor Zoe Milliman, Chaplain Christoper Zampaloni, Jim Lamanski, Tom Haynes, Jim Powlowski, Gary Richardson and Dennis Mulkin.

On Feb. 3, 1943, at 12:55 a.m., the United States Army Transport Dorchester was struck by a torpedo in the frosty waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Dorchester was only 150 miles west of Cape Farwell, Greenland, and a day away from their destination. The ship carrying 902 servicemen, merchant seaman, and civilian workers suffered catastrophic damages leaving behind only 230 survivors.

On board the USAT Dorchester were four Army Chaplains, Lieutenant George L. Fox (Methodist), Lieutenant Alexander D. Goode, Jewish), Lieutenant John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lieutenant Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed). On this tragic day, these four 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 about how the four Chaplains gave away their gloves and personal life vests to others.

In the end, the four Chaplains 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.”

So, in honor of the Four Chaplains, on Feb. 2, the American Legion Post 62 in Dunkirk held a commemoration Ceremony to remind everyone of the sacrifices that 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 to 9 as “Religious Emphasis Week”

The freedoms that 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,” (Holy Bible, Matthew 12:25).