Senator Fuschillo Joins WITH Wantagh American Legion in Honoring the Four Chaplains

            Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo speaks about the Four Chaplains’ heroism during the Wantagh American Legion’s annual Four Chaplains’ Remembrance Ceremony.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently joined with the Wantagh American Legion in honoring the memories of the four chaplains. 

            The Four Chaplains, all from different religions, served in the Army during World War II. The four were traveling across the North Atlantic with approximately 900 other soldiers when their transport ship, the Dorchester, was torpedoed by a German U-boat. The Chaplains helped evacuate the ship and handed out lifejackets to their fellow soldiers. When the supply of lifejackets ran out, and with men still without them, the chaplains gave up their own lifejackets to other soldiers. After doing all they could to help the other men, the chaplains prayed together and sang hymns as the shipped sank into the icy waters. 

            The Wantagh American Legion holds a remembrance ceremony each year to make sure that the Chaplains’ bravery, valor, courage, and sacrifice are not forgotten. Assemblyman Dave McDonough, Nassau County Legislators Dennis Dunne and Dave Denenberg, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, and former Nassau County Comptroller Fred Parola joined Senator Fuschillo and a number of Wantagh community organizations in participating in the ceremony. 

            “The Four Chaplains, in an incredible act of heroism, gave up the chance to save themselves to save the lives of their fellow soldiers. It’s wonderful that the Wantagh American Legion continues to hold this ceremony each year to remember the Chaplains’ heroism and sacrifice, and I thank them for inviting me to participate,” said Senator Fuschillo.  

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