Atlanta VA Health Care System Remembers Four Chaplains Day
On February 3, 1943, four US Chaplains of four different faiths died during World War II when their ship was sunk while crossing the Atlantic Ocean on February 2, 1943.
The Four Chaplains were aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, when a German submarine fired a torpedo at the ship, sinking it and killing the hundreds onboard.
Many witnesses recall how the four chaplains (Reverend George L. Fox of the Methodist faith, Jewish Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Father John P. Washington of the Catholic faith, and Reverend Clark V. Poling from the Dutch Reformed Church) offered their life jackets to four people in need and prayed for the many others in distress.
Atlanta VA Health Care System acting Chief Chaplain Reginald Cleaver noted that their sacrifice is why we celebrate Four Chaplains Day. “The heroism of the four chaplains is an example to all of us and a model of selfless service that still retains its emotional power to this day,” Cleaver said.
The observance of The Four Chaplains Day on February 3rd, 2025, marks a particularly sacred day of reflection for all military chaplains who typically work long hours ministering by being present, looking for opportunities to connect with service members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
Atlanta VAHCS chaplains are a vital member of our team, and we would like to take the time to express our gratitude for the work they do every day.