Wantagh American Legion honors World War II heroes during Chaplain Day Ceremony

In a poignant tribute to valor and sacrifice, Wantagh American Legion Post 1273 hosted a Four Chaplain Day Ceremony on Feb. 4, attended by local elected officials, veterans, and community members.

The event commemorated the selfless actions of four World War II US Army chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Attendees gathered to hear the true story of these brave chaplains – Reverend George Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Father John Washington, and Reverend Clark Poling.

On Feb. 3, 1943, a German U-boat torpedoed the USS Dorchester, a troopship on its way to Greenland. As panic ensued on the ship, the chaplains worked to calm and comfort the soldiers. They sacrificed their own lives by giving up their life jackets to others, and in their final moments they joined arms and said prayers as the ship sank in the North Atlantic.

Local elected officials, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, Assemblyman David McDonough, County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, Councilman Christopher Carini and State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined the community in honoring these courageous men at the ceremony.

The gathering upheld the legacy of the Four Chaplains, exemplifying the heroism of individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.

— Charles Shaw