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1995 SESSION

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 708 Commending American Legion Post 25 for honoring the Four Chaplains. Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 10, 1995 Agreed to by the Senate, February 16, 1995

WHEREAS, early on a cold morning 52 years ago, the troop transport Dorchester, steaming through icy seas off the coast of Greenland, was hit by a torpedo while most of the troops were still asleep; and

WHEREAS, with the 900 men aboard close to panic, four U.S. Army chaplains calmly led the troops to the boxes of life jackets, distributed them to the soldiers, and, when the boxes were empty, slipped off their own life preservers and gave them to the troops; and

WHEREAS, the Four Chaplains, representing Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant faiths, then went down with the Dorchester; and

WHEREAS, due to the heroism of the Four Chaplains, 1st Lieutenants John L. Fox (Methodist), Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Clark V. Poling (Reformed Church of America), and John P. Washington (Catholic), over 200 soldiers were rescued; and

WHEREAS, on February 3, 1951, President Harry Truman dedicated the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia, in which the three altars -- Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant -- proclaim the unity of all Americans under God; and

WHEREAS, on February 4, 1995, American Legion Post 25, in Newport News, sponsored a memorial service dedicated to the Four Chaplains, honoring their gallantry, their selflessness, and their sacrifice; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend American Legion Post 25 for keeping alive the magnificent example of the Four Chaplains; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the members of American Legion Post 25 in appreciation of their annual service honoring the inspiring heroism of the Four Chaplains.