[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz has directed flags at all state buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Friday, February 3, 2023, in recognition of Four Chaplains Day. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the torpedoing of the USS Dorchester, a United States Army transport ship, 150 miles off the coast of Greenland that resulted in the loss of 672 lives. Four Army chaplains demonstrated heroism, humanitarianism, and self-sacrifice onboard the sinking ship.

“While the ship sank, the four chaplains went from soldier to soldier, calming fears, handing out life jackets, and guiding people to safety. When there were no more life jackets to give, they removed their own and gave them to others,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “Many of the 230 people who survived owed their lives to these four chaplains.”

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags in recognition of Four Chaplains Day.