American Legion Post 75, Gloucester, will hold its Four Chaplains observance at 11 a.m. Saturday at the post headquarters, 5849 American Legion Way, off Route 17 south of Gloucester Court House.

The Rev. James Cowles of the Church of the Redeemer in Mechanicsville (formerly pastor of Gloucester’s St. Therese Roman Catholic Church and founder of the Bread for Life Food Pantry) will be the guest speaker.

The Four Chaplains, also referred to as the “Immortal Chaplains” or the “Dorchester Chaplains,” were the four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel as the troop ship SS Dorchester sank on Feb. 3, 1943 during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out.

The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship.

The public is invited to attend this ceremony. At the end of the service, refreshments will be served.
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