The Four Chaplains Memorial Service
As we go through each year there are many dates and events we remember and mark in our calendars. Of course, we remember our loved ones' and friends' birthdays and anniversaries. In addition, there are those dates that are commercialized such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day and so on.
What I'm concerned about however, are those important days of observation that relate to our country, its history and the freedoms we enjoy. I truly believe most of our citizens realize the sacrifices that have been made to assure our freedoms and our way of life here in the United States of America. But do we really pay homage and understand the true meaning of certain holidays such as Memorial Day, Veteran's Day and the Fourth of July? There is nothing wrong with having these days as a holiday and a day off from our jobs and time for picnics and family gatherings. That's part of our freedoms. However, it is also very important to understand and remember their meaning. There are many dates in our history that resonate with us, like Dec. 7, 1941 ( Pearl Harbor Day), D-Day, V-Day and Sept. 11, 2001. The point is we must not lose sight of the true meaning of these times in our history. As generations come on they need to have this shared and to understand our history and how blessed this great country is!
On Sunday Feb. 3 at 2 p.m., the American Legion Siloam Post 29 will conduct the Four Chaplains Memorial Service. The program will be hosted by New Life Church. The Four Chaplains Memorial Service is dedicated to the memory of four brave military chaplains that lost their lives while serving on the troop ship USS Dorchester during World War II when the ship was torpedoed by a Nazi Submarine off the coast of Greenland on Feb. 3, 1943.
Come share the story of these brave men on that fateful February day. Hear their story and the story of the more than 600 men that died that day. Of the 902 American servicemen bound for Greenland only 230 would survive. Four of the survivors lived because of the four chaplains that willingly gave their own life vests so these four military men could live. This service is open to everyone. I would encourage you to bring your families and learn more of this important date in our military history. God Bless the USA!
Jerry Cavness
Siloam Springs
Editorial on 01/30/2019