The Hellships Memorial Foundation preserves the legacy of those aboard WWII prison ships. Partnering with the Bamban WWII Museum and Liloy’s government, we are building this shoreline marker to honor Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur’s heroic sacrifice.

We are building this shoreline marker to honor Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur’s heroic sacrifice. It provides a solemn place for reflection overlooking the Shinyo Maru sinking site.

Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur’s legacy is deeply rooted in his home Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana, where he is revered for his profound spiritual service and ongoing cause for canonization

. As a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, he embodied their core values of charity and patriotism, eventually making the ultimate sacrifice as a heroic military chaplain while caring for his fellow prisoners in Japanese prison camps and aboard "Hellships".

By supporting this memorial, we can honor a man whose unwavering selflessness and faith continue to inspire, ensuring his sacrifice overlooking the site of the Shinyo Maru sinking is never forgotten.

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