In commemoration of the sacrifice of four armed forces Chaplains during World War II, Bluffton American Legion will observe Religious Emphasis Week, Feb. 3 to Feb. 10.

Bluffton American Legion Post 382, Chaplain Basil Meyer has announced the post will observe the sacrifice of Four Armed Forces Chaplains during World War II, during the Sunday, Feb. 4, worship service  at English Lutheran Church.

The public is welcome to attend the service, which begins at 9 a.m.

Legion officials and clergy are planning special programs for the observance of the 76th Anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by four Chaplains.

Of the many incidents of World War II, probably none stirred the nation more deeply than the story of these four men of God whose heroic efforts were credited with the saving of more than 200 lives.

These four - a Jewish Rabbi, a Roman Catholic Priest, and two Protestant ministers - calmly issued life-belts to American servicemen aboard the troop transport after it was torpedoed on Feb. 3, 1943.

When the supply of life preservers was exhausted, the four Chaplains removed their own life belts and gave them to four soldiers and then stood calmly on the sinking ship, their arms around one another's shoulders and their heads bowed in prayer.

Inspired by the heroic deed of these four Chaplains, The American Legion each year marks the anniversary of their supreme sacrifice through special services and programs throughout the nation.

This annual observance is a part of the Legion's "Service to God and Country Program."