Feb. 3: The Day the Four Chaplains Died

Today we remember that there is no trumping God. That no matter what the devil tries, everything will eventually be for the greater glory of God, whether it be war or disaster.

On February 3, 1943, around 1 am, the USAT Dorchester, a troop transport, was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the frigid North Atlantic waters. The torpedo knocked out the electrical systems on the ship, causing the men to panic. Four chaplains stationed on the ship sought to calm the distraught sailors. They were a Methodist reverend, a Rabbi, a Catholic priest, and a Protestant reverend. As the life jackets and lifeboats were being handed assigned, it was soon realized that there would not be enough. The chaplains gave up their own life jackets and places on the boats and stayed on the sinking ship to help others board. As the ship went down, they were seen praying and singing hymns. An act of Congress honored them by designating February 3rd as Four Chaplains Day.

Sixteen years later, four more men died in a plane crash on this same day. Three musicians and the pilot lost their lives in a field in Iowa. The day was forever immortalized by a song by Don Mclean, American Pie.

Music often holds the answers when words are not enough...

After all this has passed, I still will remain
After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today, someday I'll hope again
And there'll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

-Beauty Prom Pain, Superchick

Though here at journey's end I lie

in darkness buried deep,

beyond all towers strong and high,

beyond all mountains steep,

above all shadows rides the Sun

and Stars forever dwell:

I will not say the Day is done,

nor bid the Stars farewell.

-The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King