Governor Mark Dayton has ordered flags to half staff today to commemorate an event nearly 70 years ago – the personal sacrifice of 4 men that highlighted religious unity and diversity in the United States.

Established by Congress as the Immortal 4 Chaplins Day, the flag honors Chaplins George Fox, a Methodist, Andrew Goode, Jewish, John Washington, Catholic and Clark Poling, Dutch Reformed – all were officers serving un the US Military when the Army transport, Dorchester, sank off the coast of Greenland in 1943. Witnesses say the 4 went soldier to soldier handing out comfort and life jackets, and when there were no more – gave up their own life vests, going down with the ship, arm and arm in prayer.

In 1957 the House and Senate issued a congressional order, allowing flags to be lowered on this day to pay tribute to the interfaith spirit of the selfless act.