HONORING THE 69th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE SINKING
OF THE DORCHESTER
ON FEBRUARY 3rd, 1943

Four Chaplains Heroism & Faith Celebrated Around the Nation

At VA Hospital Chapels, American Legion Posts, Jewish Community Centers, and hundreds of other locations around the country, tens of thousands of veterans, religious leaders, community volunteers and families will gath over the first few days of February 2012 to celebrate the heroism and faith of the Four Chaplains.

On February 3, 1943, four Army Chaplains gave their life belts to their fellow soldiers, stood together and prayed as the U.S.A.T Dorchester sank beneath the surface of the icy Atlantic, the victim of a German U-Boat. In the two thirds of a century since that act, millions of people have learned of their faith, courage and sacrifice. While it is not possible to count the exact number of people who have been inspired to help their neighbor or their community, the popularity of this event is evidence of the strength of the message.

February 2012 will bring two additional opportunities to honor the Four Chaplains.
On February 14, 2012, at 2pm at River Park, 600 U.S.1,Sebastian, Florida, a new monument will be dedicated to the memory of the Four Chaplains and to the men of the USAT Dorchester. The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation is proud that two of its Board Members, USAT Dorchester Survivor Ernie Heaton and Florida Veteran and Interfaith Advocate Larry Wapnick are behind this wonderful undertaking.

On February 7, 2012, the Rabbi from Rabbi Goode's synagogue in York, Pennsylvania (Temple Beth Israel) Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan will give the opening prayer for the U.S. House of Representatives and Rep. Todd Platts (R-York) will speak about the Four Chaplains. Other members of Congress will be also be invited to speak about the contributions and meaning of the Four Chaplains.

To learn more about these upcoming activities please send an email to chapel@fourchaplains.org to receive further updates.