Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo speaks about the Four Chaplains’ heroism during the Wantagh American Legion’s annual Four Chaplains’ Remembrance Ceremony.
Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) and Assemblyman David McDonough (R-North Merrick) recently joined with the Wantagh American Legion in their annual ceremony honoring the memories of the Four Chaplains.
The Four Chaplains, all from different religions, served in the Army during World War II. The four were traveling across the North Atlantic with approximately 900 other soldiers when their transport ship, the Dorchester, was torpedoed by a German U-boat. The Chaplains helped evacuate the ship and handed out lifejackets to their fellow soldiers. When the supply of lifejackets ran out, and with men still without them, the chaplains gave up their own lifejackets to other soldiers. After doing all they could to help the other men, the chaplains prayed together and sang hymns as the shipped sank into the icy waters.
“The Four Chaplains, in an incredible display of heroism, performed the greatest act of service possible; they gave their lives trying to save others. This ceremony is a wonderful way to ensure that the Chaplains’ bravery and sacrifice is always remembered, and I thank the Wantagh American Legion for once again sponsoring it,” said Senator Fuschillo.
