In commemoration of the dramatic sacrifice of four armed forces Chaplains during World War II, The American Legion will observe Religious Emphisis Week Feb. 3 - 9 according to Chaplain Clark of the Bluffton American Legion Post 382.
The Bluffton American Legion will attend services at St. John' United Church of Christ, 223 W. College Ave. on Sunday, Feb. 3, at 10:30 a.m.
Legion officials and clergymen are planning special programs for the observance of the 70th Anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by four valiant Chaplains.
Of the many incidents of World War II, probably none stirred the nation more deeply than the story of these four chaplains whose heroic efforts were credited with the saving of more than 200 lives.
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 February 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.
Inspired by the heroic deed of these four Chaplains, The American Legion each year marks the anniversary of their supreme sacrifice through special services and programs throughout the nation.
This annual observance helps bring new emphasis to the religious aspects of our American heritage and the need for continuing adherence to the basic religious concepts upon which America was founded.
