Four Chaplains Day is a solemn observance that honors the memory of four U.S. Army chaplains who exemplified extraordinary courage and selflessness during World War II. On February 3, 1943, these men sacrificed their lives to save others when the troop ship USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by a German submarine. Their actions have become a powerful symbol of interfaith unity and humanitarianism.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 3
- Tagged as: Day of Remembrance
- What’s the hashtag?: #FourChaplainsDay
- When was it founded?: 1988
- Who founded it?: The U.S. Congress
History of Four Chaplains Day
The day commemorates the heroic actions of Chaplains George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, John P. Washington, and Clark V. Poling. As the USAT Dorchester sank, these chaplains provided comfort and support to soldiers, giving up their own life jackets to ensure others could escape. Their sacrifice has been memorialized through various honors and ceremonies across the nation.
Timeline
- February 3, 1943: USAT Dorchester is torpedoed; the four chaplains perish.
- 1944: The chaplains are posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross.
- 1988: Congress officially designates February 3 as Four Chaplains Day.
- 1951: The Chapel of the Four Chaplains is dedicated in Philadelphia.
- 1998: A Senate resolution recognizes the 55th anniversary of the incident.
- 2002: An interfaith reconciliation meeting occurs between American and German survivors of the sinking.
Dates by Next Year 2025 to 2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | February 3 | Thursday |
| 2029 | February 3 | Saturday |
| 2030 | February 3 | Sunday |
Observed
Four Chaplains Day is observed through various ceremonies and memorial services held by military organizations, civic groups, and faith communities across the United States. These events serve to educate people about the chaplains’ legacy and promote values of unity and selflessness.
Fun Facts About Four Chaplains Day
- The USAT Dorchester was originally a luxury liner before being converted for military use.
- Three of the four chaplains were involved with the Boy Scouts of America.
- A commemorative stamp was issued in their honor in 1948, just five years after their deaths.
Quiz
- What year did the USAT Dorchester sink?
- How many chaplains were involved in this incident?
- Which faiths did the four chaplains represent?
Answers:
- 1943
- Four
- Methodist, Jewish, Catholic, Dutch Reformed
FAQs
Where are the Four Chaplains buried?
Their bodies were never recovered, so they do not have graves.
How many people died aboard the Dorchester?
Out of approximately 904 individuals on board, about 674 lost their lives.
Why is Four Chaplains Day important?
It serves as a reminder of selfless service and interfaith unity during times of crisis.
Related
- Interfaith Memorial Services
- The Chapel of the Four Chaplains
- Commemorative events by American Legion Posts