World War II heroes honored at the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home

History was recognized at the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Friday morning.

A ceremony was held to commemorate “the Saga of the Four Chaplains.” The four chaplains gave up their own lifejackets to save others when the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by a German U-boat and began to sink.

City of Erie celebrates start of Black History Month 2024

Members recognized their lives by laying a lifejacket representing their bravery and sacrifice.

Ken Vybiral, the volunteer resource coordinator, said events like this keep history alive in the community.

Hagen History Center opens new exhibit for Lunar New Year

“To have so many significant individuals from the community come out and support an event like this is really a testament to their knowledge of this event and how significant it is to not only be a piece of American history to our veterans and our veteran population here at the soldiers and sailors home as well,” said Vybiral.

More than 600 people died on Feb. 3, 1943, when the ship sank during World War II.

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS