Veteran service organizations from Gloucester and Mathews gathered at Gloucester’s First United Baptist Church on Saturday to remember four Army chaplains—a rabbi, a priest, a Methodist minister and a Dutch Reformed minister—who made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow soldiers aboard a sinking transport ship in the chilly waters of the North Atlantic some 73 years ago.

This was the second year for the Four Chaplains service in Gloucester, and about 80 veterans and others came out to honor the memory of those four men who, when they had no more life jackets to give to those aboard the USAT Dorchester, took off their own jackets and distributed them to the waiting men.

Rick Ward, adjutant of American Legion Post 75, Gloucester, as well as 3rd District vice commander, served as master of ceremonies. Members of American Legion Post 83, Mathews, also participated, as well as representatives from Disabled American Veterans Chapter 58, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 82...