ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove American Legion, Marine Corp League and Veterans of Foreign Wars are set to host their fourth annual Memorial Service for the four chaplains who died working to save the lives of others during World War II.

George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling and John Washington were stationed on the transport ship SS Dorchester off the coast of Greenland on Feb. 3, 1943, when it was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine.

Not only did they calm those on the ship and offered prayers of encouragement, but they also gave up their own life jackets to others on the ship. Their extra-ordinary showing of faith, courage and selflessness has led some to call them the immortals of the cloth.

Each chaplain, members of four different faiths, stood together in service to their fellow service members.

The Four Chaplains Memorial Service will take place Jan. 31, 2026, 10 a.m., at the Veterans Hall at District56, 8230 Civic Center Drive. An onsite reception will follow. The dress code is smart casual.

For more information, contact Jack Edwards at 916-240-9302 or visit ElkGroveVeterans.com.