Local veterans groups join to honor four world -class chapelanians – Dakota News now

Sioux Falls, SD (Dakota News now) – An annual tradition took place in US legion posts across the country on Sunday to honor four fallen World War II chapelans and remember their history of courage to a certain death.

American Legion Post 15 at Siou Falls hosts their memorial service every year to join posts across the country in honor of Jewish rabbi Alexander D. John P. Washington.

On February 3, 1943, Usat Dorchester was struck by the German Torpedo of U-Boat as it made its way to an American base in Greenland. Shortly thereafter, it became clear that many would die in frigid waters as Dorchester sank into the ocean.

On board the ship there was chaos with some men caught under decks and several roads for survival.

The four capelans calmly gave up their rescue vests and helped others reach life boats. They connected a weapon and could see themselves praying and singing hymns as they went down with the ship. Only 230 of 902 on board survived.

The true story is unique and influential for the veterans who say it, such as Wayne stopping, a member of the Executive Board for Post 15 and this year’s chairman for the four memorial chapelans.

“Usually you hear about bad things with war and history, the victims,” ​​Sprecher explained. “It’s a story, yes, we have lost our lives, but it’s a story that someone is doing something for other people and serving other people, not just worrying about themselves, taking care of yourself.”

The four capelans organized evacuations and first thought for others. Animals vests were their only chance to survive, and they were given to the next person so that they could survive. The American Legion hopes to preserve the history of its courage alive for generations.

“The first thing that pops up is their victim and it’s fair, I don’t think, post 15 Commander Dale Hill.

At the memorial services, the crowds continue to grow every year. This year, they had to get more chairs at the beginning of the service and the room was almost complete.

For veterans present, this is an emotional experience. As Taps plays and reminds of their service and the example of the victim of the four capelaces is rediscovered, it cuts deeply. Sprecher described his meetings with similar ceremonies as part of the Honorary Guard.

“When Pieta plays, I have tears in my eyes,” Strandzer said. “This is one of those things that every veteran feels like this, because whether it is your companion, your friend, or even the people you don’t know, they were part of your organization and they have passed. It is important to remember them. Many of us veterans have lived through the loss of people. This is not a pleasant memory, but good things can happen from that. “

The organizers have taken steps to include other veterans in the special ceremony. Capelans from the local American legion, VFW Post 628 and PVA read stories about each of the life of the fallen Capelan. Their guest lecturer was retired naval and current senior naval instructor or SMI for Junior Rotc at Sioux Falls Lincoln High School.

Attracting all different military groups was deliberate. The purpose of the organizers is ultimately to invade space and move the event to the neighborhood.

“I want to expand it so that it is not an American Legion Memorial, this is a veterans memorial, so next year I hope we are in [South Dakota Military Heritage] Alliance that we can include more veterans groups, “Sprecher said.

Hill sounded the mood to make the event for all veterans, not just one, managed by the American Legion. He is looking forward to seeing more growth and telling the story of the four priests in front of a greater audience for years to come.

“I have been here at Sioux Falls of this post for five years and every year we have made improvements in our presentations and we are growing,” Hill recalled. “The first year, when we were part of it, this room was not even half full. It’s just a much better historical and religious memorial event. “

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