Taftville — The Peter Gallan American Legion Post 104 will conduct a four chaplains ceremony at 2 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the legion hall, 26 Merchants Ave. 

The ceremony honors the actions of four Army chaplains who were aboard the transport ship Dorchester when it was torpedoed and sunk by German Submarine U-223. At the conclusion of the ceremony we will have members of the local clergy, each representing the faith of one of the original chaplains, deliver the benediction in a representation of the final moments of the Dorchester. Members of the clergy who have been gracious enough to participate in the ceremony are:

Father Brian Converse, Chaplain (Major) HHC 1-102 Infantry (Mountain), CTARNG, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Gales Ferry.

Reverend Cathy Zall, pastor of the First Congregational Church of New London.

Rabbi Julius Rabinowitz, rabbi of Beth Jacob Synagogue in Norwich.

Reverend Scott Schuett, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lebanon.

For this year's ceremony we are pleased to again have Father Converse, an Army chaplain, as our keynote speaker.

Post commander Alain Joly invites all attending to remain, as his guests, for heavy hors d'oeuvres at the conclusion of the ceremony. All food is being prepared by Sons of the American Legion Detachment Squad 104. This event will be held regardless of weather. For additional information contact Joly at 860-885-4780 or event chairman Dennis Baptiste at 860-908-2104.