05/25/2026
This morning, the York County Commissioners joined Gold Star families, veterans, community members, and other elected officials for the York County Veterans Affairs Department’s 2026 Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, held at the Veterans Memorial Gold Star Healing and Peace Garden.
Each year, members of the community gather for a wreath laying ceremony to honor York County’s military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
This year, prior to the wreath laying, a new memorial in the garden was dedicated, recognizing the selfless courage of the Four Chaplains and U.S. Coastguard Steward’s Mate Charles W. David Jr.
On a frigid early morning of February 3, 1943, the U.S. Army Transport ship, the SS Dorchester was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. There were 904 men aboard the Dorchester when it was struck. As the ship began to sink in the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Greenland, the four Army chaplains distributed life jackets, and when supplies ran out, gave up their own life jackets, linked arms, and offered prayers and messages of courage.
But they were not the only heroes on that fateful day. Charles David, Jr. was a Steward’s Mate on the U.S. Coast Goard Cutter, Comanche, which was nearby when the Dorchester was torpedoed. The Comanche crew saw the Dorchester begin to sink, and they raced through heavy seas to pick up survivors. Then, 26-year-old Charles David Jr. did something truly heroic. He jumped into the lifeboats in the icy Atlantic and began hoisting survivors aboard. His heroism helped save the lives of 93 men. Fifty-four days later, Charles died of pneumonia brought on by his valiant efforts.
Thank you to the many community members who attended the wreath laying and dedication of the new memorial, as well as the many partners who made the wreath laying ceremony and the new memorial possible.
To the many military service members across York County, thank you for your courage and sacrifice to protect the liberties we have the privilege to enjoy.
