On February 7, 2010, The American Legion Cespino Russo Post 1544 and Turkish Cultural Center of Brooklyn and Staten Island gathered to commemorate the 4 brave chaplains (heroes) who inspired the men and women around them in the 1943 and teach us lessons for today and many years to come.
We are commemorating February 3rd of each year to learn more about their sacrifice and by inspired by what they had done then, today we are dedicated to keep the spirit of peace, unity, dialogue, tolerance and loyalty to this wonderful country; the United States of America.
Mehmet Kilic, the president of the Turkish Cultural Center, gave a speech about four chaplains and what they mean to the Turkish community in Staten Island. Here is a summary of his of his speech:
The United States of America has a lot to offer for the people of the world:
- For some, the US is a country of opportunities; and yes that’s true!
- For others, the US is a country of freedom – freedom of religion, speech and more!
- But for the Turkish Community, the US is country of diversity; it’s a country of peace, tolerance, dialogue and acceptance. People all over the world come here and they are all welcome regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, and their socioeconomic backgrounds. The people of the world are not only accepted here but their backgrounds are accepted as well – their culture, traditions, language, beliefs, colors and cuisines are welcome and accepted indeed. Do you need a proof – just look around you and see the harmony of the society coming together to commemorate these heroes and learn and treasure their hard work today and in the future.
- Commander John Darconte introduced the members of the Turkish Cultural Center as the grandson of the brave soldiers at the Korean War.He said that he fought with Turkish commanders and soldiers
Commander Jim Wassmuth talked about Turkey and the US that are great allies and two big members of the NATO. He said: “but now we are getting even closer in Staten Island. New flocks of Turkish people are coming to Staten Island and we are very happy about it.”
Hakan Baydere (the advisor of the Turkish Cultural Center Staten Island) informed the audience about programs and activities carried by the cultural center in Staten Island. He gave a mini briefing about the Turkish community in Staten Island and spoke about their hopes and aspirations for the future.
HISTORY OF THE BRAVERY OF FOUR CHAPLAINS
On Feb. 3, 1943, the United States Army Transport Dorchester – a converted luxury liner – was crossing the North Atlantic, transporting more than 900 troops to an American base in Greenland. Aboard the ship were four chaplains of different faiths: Reverend George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode, Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Roman Catholic).
Around 12:55 a.m., a German U-boat fired a torpedo that struck Dorchester’s starboard side, below the water line and near the engine room. The explosion instantly killed 100 men and knocked out power and radio communication with Dorchester’s three escort ships. Within 20 minutes, the transport sank and more than 670 men died.
As soldiers rushed to lifeboats, the four chaplains spread out, comforting the wounded and directing others to safety. One survivor, Private William Bednar, later said, “I could hear men crying, pleading, and praying. I could also hear the chaplains’ preaching courage. Their voices were the only thing that kept me going.”
Another survivor, John Ladd, watched the chaplains’ distribute life jackets, and when they ran out; they removed theirs and gave them to four young men. “It was the finest thing I have seen, or hope to see, this side of heaven,” he recalled.
As Dorchester sank, the chaplains were seen linked arm in arm, praying.
Fox, Goode, Poling and Washington were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart, and in 1948, Congress declared Feb. 3 to be Four Chaplains Day. The four chaplains were also honored with a U.S. postage stamp that year.
Because of the Medal of Honor’s strict requirements of heroism under fire, Congress authorized a one-time Chaplain’s Medal for Heroism on July 14, 1960. The award was presented to the chaplains’ next of kin Jan. 18, 1961.
On Feb. 3, 1951, President Truman dedicated a chapel in the chaplains’ honor at Grace Baptist Church in Philadelphia. When the building was sold, the chapel fell into disrepair, and the foundation overseeing the chapel moved it to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 2001. The chapel was repaired in 2004 and given the name Chapel of the Four Chaplains.
In 2006, at The American Legion’s 88th National Convention in Salt Lake City, the National Executive Committee passed a resolution that supported awarding the Medal of Honor to Fox, Goode, Poling and Washington. Every year, American Legion posts nationwide remember Four Chaplains Day with memorial services.
Learn more about the four chaplains by visiting The Immortal Chaplains Foundation (www.immortalchaplains.org) and The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation (www.fourchaplains.org).
