The Four Chaplains

     In today's world there is so much division and rancor, it is hard to imagine that there was ever a time when these did not exist. However, when fighting against Fascism, nations and individuals came together, at least for a time. I first learned of this piece of histroy while cisiting a museum in Washington D.C. as a young boy and seeing a wax reproduction of the scene.

     On the night of 3 February 1943, the USAT Dorchester carried nearly 1,000 soldiers to Britain. A German U-Boat fired and hit the ship. As the Dorchester sank, four Army Chaplains: two Protestants, a Roman Catholic, and a rabbi, selflessly have up their life jackets and went to their deaths praying in their own manner with linked arms. Those who survived the sinking never forgot the sight.

     When I was in Philadelphia, I asked invited to join the Four Chaplains Memorial Association, then located on the campus of Temple University. At the time I was in my first of two stints as a Pennsylvania Army National Guard Chaplain. While my membership was

not of long duration, the story is inspiring. I post a link:

http://www.fourchaplains.org/the-saga-of-the-four-chaplains/

     Chaplains Fox, Goode, Poling, and Washington still have a lot to teach u about dedication, service to others, and overcoming barriers. I hope we all learn from them, 73 years after their deaths.