On Sunday, February 7th, 2010, veterans from throughout Suffolk County gathered to commemorate the 67th Anniversary of a truly ecumenical event that occurred in the North Atlantic aboard the United States Army Transport Ship DORCHESTER. The old ship had been pressed into service as a troop transport with 902 American servicemen aboard bound for Greenland, when on February 3rd, 1943, she was torpedoed by a Nazi submarine. The deadly missile struck amidships and exploded in the boiler room. Many died instantly, others were trapped below deck. Jolted from their bunks, sleepy soldiers & sailors clambered to reach the decks of the stricken ship.

On deck, amid the confusion and terror, four U.S. Army Chaplains were moving about calming the frightened men, directing the bewildered troops to the lifeboats, and distributing life jackets with calm precision. The supply of life jackets was soon exhausted, but four young soldiers stood waiting. They were afraid, and they had no life jackets. Quickly the Chaplains stripped off their own and forced them on the young soldiers. The four men of God had given away their only means of saving themselves in order to save others.

What was especially beautiful about this epic of heroism is that these chaplains were from different faiths. Clark V. Poling and George L. Fox were Protestant Ministers, John P. Washington was a Roman Catholic Priest and Alexander D. Goode was a Jewish Rabbi. Men moving away from stricken ship in lifeboats saw the four chaplains clinging to each other on the slanting deck. Their arms linked together praying with heads bowed.
The U.S.A.T. DORCHESTER sank beneath the icy waters of the North Atlantic, carrying with it the four Chaplains and 688 soldiers & sailors.

Following the Presentation of Colors, an Invocation by Rev. Brian Blayer, Curate of St. Ann's Episcopal Church, Suffolk County Commander Robert Shadler welcomed the community and veterans to this annual event. Soloist Robert Suckow sang wonderful rendition of "The Navy Hymn" and County Chaplain Thomas Bergin told the assembled "The Four Chaplains Story". St. Ann's Interim Priest-in-Charge, The Rev. Gary J. Parker then introduced members of the local clergy who would tell the story of each of the four chaplains. 10th District Sgt. at Arms Paul DeVaul spoke about 1st Lt. Clark Poling; Pastor Rev. Ursula Scheike of the Church of Our Savior in Patchogue spoke about 1st Lt. George L. Fox; Rabbi Joel Levinson of Bethel Temple in Patchogue spoke about 1st Lt. Alexander Goode and The Rev. Nicholas Figliola, Pastor of St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church in Sayville spoke about 1st Lt. John P. Washington. The Rev. Gary J. Parker of St. Ann's Episcopal Church concluded the service with a Benediction. Refreshments were served in the Parish Hall after the American Legion Color Guard, County Ladies Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion Retired the Colors.

Our gratitude is extended to the parishioners of St. Ann's Episcopal for sharing with us the special commemoration of such an a memorable event. We thank Father Parker; Father Blayer; Kathy Senese, Organist; Linda R. Hay, FCBA, Parish Administrator; and all the Chaplains for their assistance and participation.

SUFFOLK COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION
Rober Shadler - County Commander
Thomas Bergin - County Chaplain