Memorial Day Assembly at Classical
This year's Assembly was dedicated to the fight and support for freedom in the United States and the world. The event was coordinated by Mr. Gravin, Social Studies Department Chair, and Mr. Smith from the Music Department and Choir.
After singing the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the Chorus sang a beautiful rendition of "Imagine".
Student Jim Tarr explained the holiday and the need to honor those who served in our wars. He then introduced three students and one teacher who saw first-hand what happens when there is no democracy, laws, or justice.
Bah Mamadou Apha was born in the Republic of Guinea and saw his family and country suffer from an overwhelming dictatorship. After moving to Lynn, he and his family have learned to truly appreciate the freedoms of the United States.
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The second student speaker was Anela Marjanovic, a graduating Senior at Classical, born in Bosnia during the civil strife. Her father was a Christian and her mother's family were Muslim. The war found her father and mother's family split into opposing armies. Anela lost members of her family in this war. Her family was finally able to escape to America and find a semblance of peace and order.
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Nalin Sitha was born in Cambodia. She recounted the horrors of the Cambodian anti-intellectual leadership, where people who read books, educated people, and even people who wore glasses were 're-educated' or killed, as described in the book, The Killing Fields.
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The final speaker of the Assembly was Math Teacher Mrs. Ahmadi. She told the story of suffering of her family by the Aghanistani Taliban, who recklessly ruled over regions of the country. She contrasted this to the freedoms found in the United States today.
It was a truly emotionally moving Assembly. The Chorus concluded with a song called "Total Praise". Mr. White commended Classical students for their good behavior and attentiveness at the Assembly.
