You will rarely read a story of such extraordinary interfaith courage, honour, and brotherhood. In modern times, it has added another element: reconciliation.
And the legacy lives on:
"In the late 1990s, in an effort to reinvigorate the legacy of the four chaplains, David Fox, the nephew of Chaplain George Fox, and Rosalie Goode Fried, the daughter of Chaplain Alexander Goode, created the Immortal Chaplains Foundation. Other descendants of Chaplains Goode, Fox, and Poling (Father Washington's could not be located) soon became active in the organization, which is dedicated to promoting the values of the Immortal Chaplains by presenting two annual Awards for Humanity each February on the anniversary of the Dorchester's destruction. Awards are bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated courage in helping others at their own risk, regardless of racial, religious, or other differences. Recipients since 1999 have included Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa; Charles David, an African American Coast Guardsman from the Comanche who died of pneumonia after repeatedly jumping into the freezing waters to rescue Dorchester survivors; Omri Abdel Al-Jada, a young Palestinian man who died while saving a Jewish child from drowning in Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee); and the villagers of Le Chambon, France, who saved 5,000 Jews from the Nazis...."
You'll want to read the whole thing, of course.
Powerful stuff. Think of what those men could have contributed if they'd lived.
I knew about these men years ago, and never really told anyone the story. Think about what they did when they did live, Brian, it is what Americans do daily. Greatness comes not from doing what the world watches you accomplish, but from normal acts we deem appropriate at the time. I voted for Pat Tillman, for many reasons, but we all share his reason to serve. Or not.
Rik
Have had the oppertunity to attend the Four Caplains services today at VA Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Was really moved by their accomplishments.
American Legion
Lockport. NY
The story of the Four Chaplains will live in the hearts and minds of those who lived through the years 1941-1945. Unfortunately, our educational system throughout this country does not spend the proper amount of time on the war years. I have met many men of the cloth who had nvere heard of the Four Chaplains until I gave a presentation on this subject and they were in the audience. It is absolutely shocking that the school systems spend time on matters of little importance rather than subjects that stir the hearts and minds and teach our younger generations the true meaning of brotherly love.
I applaud David Fox for his endless devotion to these four heroes and wish him continued success in his attempt to make more individuals aware of the Immortal Four Chaplains.
Thank you.
Ken Baril