ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Col. Carleton Birch, chaplain for the Defense Logistics Agency, shared the story of the Four Chaplains with a crowd of nearly 200 Anniston Army Depot and tenant employees at the installation's annual Prayer Breakfast.
The four gentlemen served as chaplains during World War II. They met initially at Harvard for chaplain school before going to their individual units and being reunited aboard the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester.
In February 1943, the Dorchester was crossing the Atlantic from New York to Greenland, carrying 902 Soldiers and crew members.
In the early morning of Feb. 3, the ship was hit by a torpedo and began to sink.
In the chaos and aftermath that followed, the chaplains - Lt. George Fox, a Methodist; Lt. Alexander Goode, who was Jewish; Lt. John Washington, a Catholic; and Lt. Clark Poling of the Dutch Reform Church - were remembered by the survivors for their calm care and encouragement.
Practicing a concept of pluralism learned in their training, the chaplains served the faith and physical needs of every individual, not just those who shared their beliefs.
"As the ship sank, the last thing many of the men saw was the chaplains, arms linked, praying," said Birch.
He told those gathered that the story holds a strong message for us today, when many people feel divided from others because of differing beliefs.
"Sometimes, we act like we aren't on the same ship," said Birch. "Instead of helping someone who is struggling, we try to throw them overboard."
He encouraged everyone, regardless of religious or political beliefs to allow their lives to be enriched by people who think differently.
"Help those on the ship with you," said Birch, adding that working together you can achieve the mission.
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