Sullivan Students Celebrate Memorial Day

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Sullivan pupils say the Pledge of Allegiance at the school's annual Memorial Day celebration on Friday.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Students, faculty, veterans, and distinguished guests celebrated Memorial Day at Sullivan Elementary School and paid tribute to those who paid the ultimate price to protect freedom .

After being led by Williamstown's Richard A. Ruether Americal Legion Post 152 color guard and joining in on the "Star-Spangled Banner" on Friday morning, attendants of the 2015 Sullivan School Memorial Day celebration of remembrance brought words of respect, reflection, and celebration about America's fallen heroes.

Col. Michael Morgan, vice commander of the 158th Fighter Wing Vermont Air National Guard, urged all attendees to really make a difference this Memorial Day and attend a memorial service, visit a soldier's grave, fly a prisoner of war/missing in action flag, or just reach out to the families of those who have lost those most dear to them.

Morgan recounted the memory of fallen heroes from the region including Army Pfc. Michael R. DeMarsico II who was killed in action in 2012 in Afghanistan and Army Spec. Mitchell K. Daehling who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013 and the importance of keeping their memory alive, along with other veterans.

"Let us make Memorial Day every day by never failing to honor the men and women who gave their all," he said. "Their courage in the face of certain death will shine like a beacon on future generations through times of danger and uncertainty, and their sacrifice will serve as the staunchest of warnings to our enemies."

Morgan thanked World War II veterans Rolland Roy, who fought on Omaha Beach during D-Day, Gordon Morison, who served in North Africa, Pete White, who served in both Europe and the Philippines, and other WWII veterans present at the ceremony.

He said Americans celebrate Memorial Day to remember fallen soldiers, something the present war heroes have lived.

"This day isn't about us or any of us that are still alive that are veterans," Morgan said. "It's about those who paid the ultimate price and didn't make it back alive. These gentlemen can tell you they had friends who did not come back from the war in one piece or alive, and that is what we are here to talk about today."

State Rep. Gailanne Cariddi explained the importance of the "buddy poppy," which are given out throughout the country in exchange for donations that aid disabled and hospitalized veterans.

She said the poppy, which seeds lie dormant in the ground until the soil is disturbed, became a symbol for sacrifice during World War I in Belgium, where they bloomed on fields after battles.

"It's a symbol of sacrifice and is to be worn to honor the men and women who served and died for America," Cariddi said. "When I was a little girl, I remember many people on our streets and at the post office selling these flowers. Actually just to look at it brings tears to my eyes for what it brings to all of us."

Mayor Richard Alcombright said this morning before arriving at the school he parked his car in the Drury High School parking lot, where he could really take in the many American flags planted throughout Southview Cemetery on veteran's graves.

"Those who have died serving our country for hundreds of years are some of the most honorable people this country has ever known. As I gazed off at the mountains this morning that were the backdrop to the cemetery, I thought how lucky I am and how lucky we are that we are so protected," Alcombright said. "We know that so many around the word live in fear and live in war every day."

Assistant Adjutant General of the Connecticut Air National Guard Brig. Gen. John Mott provided closing statements for the ceremony and asked the students to keep programs like this alive wherever they go.

"This may be one of the last Memorial Day celebrations in this school, but wherever you end up next make sure that this program continues," Mott said. "That's the way you pay tribute to those who have died for our country."

Mott he was inspired to join the military because of his Uncle Norm who, when asked why he joined told Mott when he was 16, said "it's the least I can do for my country."

He urged everyone to do what they can to "keep the memorial in Memorial Day" and enjoy their freedoms but remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for those freedoms.

"They want you to go out their and enjoy your freedoms. That's what they fought and for that's why they died for," he said. "So you can go to the beach, you can hang out with your family, you can have a barbecue, and do all of that stuff because you know you are free."


Tags: holiday event,   Memorial Day,   veterans,   

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Summer Course Registration Now Available at MCLA

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.—Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announced that registration for summer class sessions is now open. 
 
Registration is open to MCLA students, interested community members, high school students, those pursuing a master's degree, and college students wishing to transfer credits back to their home institution. 
 
MCLA is offering two summer sessions, held in-person and online. Session A runs May 20 through June 28, 2024, and Session B runs July 8 through August 16, 2024. The College has more than 50 online courses to accommodate the schedules of working adults, undergraduates, and high school students. 
 
Summer classes are a way to get ahead in a major or minor, work on general education requirements, explore a new interest, catch up on coursework, get closer to graduation, or focus on a particular subject by taking only one class. 
 
Summer sessions can help college students home for the summer to complete prerequisite courses for their degree. 
 
Learn about course offerings, review the schedule and register now at mcla.edu/summer.
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