VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

Standing by the stained glass window that honors the Four Chaplains in the Northampton VA Medical Center Chapel are, from left to right; Joseph Grabon of the Michael Curtin VFW Post in Florence; Henry Scarborough of VFW Post 3422 of Easthampton; Richard Tremaine, associate director, Northampton VA Medical Center; and Harold Burt, VFW Post 3422 commander. Post 3422 received a plaque from the Northampton VA for donating proceeds for a new chapel carillon bell system.

Veterans from throughout Massachusetts came together on Sunday, Feb. 6, to remember four World War II chaplains of different faiths who gave their lives to save others, 68 years ago.

American Legion District 2, representing Veterans from throughout the region, once again saluted the four chaplains during a memorial service at the Northampton VA Medical Center Chapel.

They were Methodist Reverend George L. Fox, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Roman Catholic Priest John P. Washington and Reformed Church in America Reverend Clark V. Poling.

The four chaplains were on board the U.S.A.T. Dorchester when a torpedo hit the ship and it started sinking. They gave their own life jackets to four men who didn't have one, and then prayed together as the ship sank.

This was the 34th year the Chapel at the medical center has commemorated the four chaplains.

“We gather here today to remember the valor of the four chaplains who gave the extreme example of service to others,” said Northampton VAMC Chaplain David Whiteley. “For all those who enter the doors of this chapel seeking comfort…we remember their example.”

The observance included the presentation of colors from area Veterans, a remembrance of each of the four chaplains, and the placing of a memorial wreath in front of the Chapel altar where four pictures of the four chaplains were prominently displayed.

"For 34 years, the medical community here in Leeds, together with our American Legion comrades, have continued to ensure all of us as Veterans and the public-at-large remember this heroic act," said Richard Tremaine, Northampton VAMC associate director.  "The four chaplains continue to inspire us, even 68 years later, because their message is eternal and so enduring."

Americans must never forget their sacrifice and should also remember the sacrifice of all service members, past, present and future, said John Lenotte of Haverhill and the vice commander for the American Legion Department of Massachusetts. 

"This is a story we can all agree is incredible -- four chaplains, different faiths, all sacrificing for their fellow men, and yes for their families. They embarked a journey they knew not where they would end," said Lenotte.

"All gave some, some gave all...," said Lenotte, who thanked fellow Veterans and others in attendance for keeping the memory of the Four Chaplains alive.  He said he hoped the day would never pass when the four chaplains would be forgotten. 

"I trust that I will never see that day," said Lanotte.

The chaplains showed incredible selflessness and self-sacrifice, said Corrina Belhumer of Belchertown, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

"They didn't care if the one's they gave their life jackets to were from their faiths or not. They just recognized they needed to be saved, and they were willing to give up their lives to do it," said Belhumeur.

During the service, the Northampton VA also recognized the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3422 in Easthampton for donating a digital carillon to the chapel for easy to use programming. 

The carillon replicates the sound of cast bronze bells for hymns and a wide variety of musical selections, providing a significant upgrade for the VA’s chapel program.
Henry and Lucille Scarborough also contributed to a remote system that allows the Chapel to instantly program the carillon from anywhere within the Chapel and were also honored during the observance.

Harold Burt, VFW Post 3422 commander, and Henry Scarborough inaugurated the new carillon. 

"Thanks to their generosity, our Chapel has a state-of-the art system," said Tremaine.