Army chaplains honored for their sacrifce

continued from front page result of the strike, making it the secondworst attack at sea on American forces during the war.

All four chaplains were posthumously awarded Purple Hearts and Distinguished Service Crosses for their act of heroism.

“We thank you for the unity that these four men of God demonstrated in life and death,” Spinner said in his invocation. “Grant us now your abiding presence, and may we remain faithful to the spirit of our four chaplains who, having learned to live and serve together, in death were not divided.”

Bill Lorusso, chaplain of the American Legion Riders in Elmont, followed with the POW/MIA empty chair ceremony, a tradition that recognizes the thousands of Americans still unaccounted for from conflicts involving the United States.

Nassau County Bruce Blakeman made a surprise visit during the ceremony to thank the veterans for their continued service and for recognizing the chaplains, who helped calm the Dorchester’s crewmen amid chaos and in the face of certain death.

“When you hear the story about the four chaplains, what does it tell you?” Blakeman said. “It tells you a story of spirituality. It tells you a story about patriotism. It tells you a story about courage.”

The Rev. Benjamin Yoo, pastor of the United Methodist Church in Floral Park, spoke about George Fox, who was the old- est of the four chaplains.

“Lying about his age in 1917, he enlisted in the Army as a medical corps assistant,” Yoo said. “He received the Silver Star for rescuing a wounded soldier from a battlefield filled with poison gas, although he wore no gas mask himself, and the Croix de Guerre for outstanding bravery in an artillery barrage that left him with a broken spine.”

Following World War I, Fox married and had two children, before he decided to join the ministry. Having seen the impact of war, he felt that his presence was needed, and re-enlisted.

Rabbi Michael Cohen, of Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth, shared a few words about Alexander Goode, who had followed in his father’s footsteps to become a rabbi.

“Even as he pursued his studies, he found time to serve in the National Guard,” Cohen said.

The Rev. Jimmy Lalljie, of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hyde Park, told the gathering about Clark Poling, who was the youngest of the four chaplains, and the seventh generation of an unbroken line of ministers in what was the Dutch Reformed Church.

“Just before he sailed,” Lalljie said, “Poling asked his father to pray for him, ‘not for my safe return. That wouldn’t be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty … and have the strength, courage, and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate.’”

Monsignor Charles Fink, of Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in New Hyde Park, spoke about Father John Washington, who grew up in the toughest area of Newark, one of nine children in an Irish immigrant family.

“He was blessed with a sunny disposition and a love for music,” Fink said. “He also loved a good fight, and was a member of the South 12th Street gang when he was called to the priesthood. Raised in song and prayer to comfort those around him, Washington’s beautiful voice could be heard above the cries of the dying in his final moments.”

The Rev. Benjamin Yoo, Rabbi Michael Cohen, the Rev. Jimmy Lalljie and Monsignor Charles Fink each put on life preservers as a symbolic gesture in honor of the sacrifice made by the four chaplains.

Eighty years since the Dorchester sank, the Four Chaplains tradition lives on among veterans and military chaplains across the country. After they spoke, Yoo, Cohen, Lalljie and Fink each strapped on an orange life preserver, and then symbolically handed them off to four young naval trainees.

The service concluded with a special presentation by the Jewish War Veterans, which unveiled a photo of a plaque that is displayed in Arlington National Cemetery, commemorating all the Jewish Chaplains who served in World War II, Vietnam and Korea.