WHEREAS, In the confusion, the four chaplains calmed, aided
and guided many of their fellow servicemembers to safety; and
WHEREAS, When life vests ran out, each chaplain removed his
own life vest and gave it to another person, saving four
additional lives; and
WHEREAS, As the ship sank, the chaplains were last seen
linked arm in arm in prayer; and
WHEREAS, The Chapel of the Four Chaplains, located in
Philadelphia, tells the story of the Four Chaplains and
encourages selfless sacrifice and interfaith cooperation; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenants Fox, Goode, Poling and Washington were
posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the
Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States authorized a one-
time Chaplain's Medal for Heroism that was presented to each
chaplain's next of kin on January 18, 1961; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, the Congress of the United States declared
February 3 "Four Chaplains Day"; and
WHEREAS, On February 6, 2020, the Sheraton Society Hill in
Philadelphia is hosting the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation's
52nd Annual Four Chaplains Awards Banquet; and
WHEREAS, This year marks the 77th anniversary of the sinking
of the Dorchester; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
February 3, 2020, as "Four Chaplains Day" in Pennsylvania to
honor the valor and sacrifice of Lieutenant George Fox,
Lieutenant Alexander Goode, Lieutenant Clark Poling and
Lieutenant John Washington.
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