Veteran's Day Assembly 11/10/05
This year' Veteran's Day Assembly was seamlessly coordinated by Social Studies Chairman Mr. Gravin and Music Director Mr. Smith. The entire school entered and sat down gracefully in their new seat assignments in the gymnasium. Honored Guests and Officials included : School Committeeman Dan Cahill, Asst. Supt. Bastarache, Superintendent Kostin, Mayor's Chief-of-Staff Bill Bochnak, State Representatives Bob Fennel and Steven Walsh, and Brendon Crighton from Senator Tom McGee's staff.
The Assembly started with the Pledge of Allegiance led by The Senior Class Officers. Then the National Anthem was sung by the Classical Chorus. Andrew Richard then spoke and gave a brief history of how Veteran's Day came to be. This was followed by a beautiful rendition of America the Beautiful. John Powell gave a short speech called Three Million Reasons about the casualties and sacrifices from wars we have participated in our history.
Yana Ros then introduced the Guest Speaker, Retired Lt. Colonel Richard Moody, who fought in two wars and has been chosen as Top Gun and Air Force Officer of the Year. Since retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Moody has been working as a civilian contractor, most recently in Iraq. He also has three children actively serving in the armed services in Iraq and overseas. Currently, Mr. Moody is deeply involved with Operation Troop Support. This organization has collected and distributed over 13,000 boxes of Care Packages and gifts to soldiers in five countries overseas plus five military hospitals.
Mr. Moody told some very heartwarming stories about Operation Troop Support and how the military recipients have appreciated gifts from home. He also challenged us to be a special person that could help change a soldier's attitudes and life in a positive way.
Andrew Richard presented State Representative Steven Walsh with a plaque for being a “Friend of Education’ in recognition of Representative Walsh’s commitment and support of public education in general, and specifically the Lynn Public Schools.
Mr. Smith then led the Chorus with a rendition of God Bless America. Principal White concluded the Assembly with an appreciation for all who participated, and lauded the students' decorum today.
Web photos by Daniel Srey and website staff
Retired Lt. Colonel Richard Moody with Mr. Gravin
Senior Class Officers and Speakers
Andrew Richard speaks on the history of Veteran's Day
John Powell speaks about our Three Million Men.
Yana Ros introduces us to the Guest Speaker.
Retired Lt. Colonel Moody tells us what a gift can bring.
Erica Singer lifts us up with her patriotic voice.
Principal White commends us for our demeanor.