Memorial Day Assembly 5/25/2007

This year's assembly was  solemn, respectful, and interesting. Alex Ritterhaus emceed the program. Emily Pring explained the background of Memorial Day very well.

The Chorus sang: “The National Anthem”, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and did a beautiful rendition of “Imagine”.

The following dignitaries were present at the Memorial Day Assembly:   Mayor Edward “Chipper” Clancy, Senator Thomas McGee, Representative Robert Fenell, Representative Stephen Walsh, Lynn Veteran’s Department Director Michael Sweeney, and Guest Speaker Mr. Walter Brown accompanied by his wife (of 65 years) Mrs. Barbara Brown.

Alex Rittreshaus (Junior) introduced Mr. Brown and told the audience that he had learned of Mr. Brown’s story at a neighborhood cookout. Mr. Brown is a recipient of the following Medals: Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, European Africa Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon and Victory Medal.

Mr. Brown spoke about his experiences in World War II, particularly, about the night of December 24^{th, 1944, the night that the S.S. Leopoldville was struck by a torpedo fired by a German submarine. Many soldiers died that night (an estimated 802) and many others were injured (650). Over 493 bodies were never recovered. Mr. Brown told the students that but for an upset stomach (which caused him to go to a latrine on a higher deck) he too would have died that night. Mr. Brown was rescued by a tugboat just minutes before the Leopoldville sank to the ocean’s ( English Channel) floor. During Mr. Brown’s talk he commented that while he and the other soldiers were waiting for rescue boats to arrive, it was as calm and quite as it is in this room right now. As expected ,the student body was respectful and attentive times three.}

Principal White was highly impressed with the tenor of the student attendees.

Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives McGee says a few words.