Lynn Classical celebrates Memorial Day

LYNN – Social studies teacher Frank Grealish said there were a million reasons not to hold a Memorial Day ceremony, but Senior Class Vice President Rebecca Potter succinctly summed up why they did.”Because it’s too important not to have one,” she said.Amid senior finals and last-minute projects, when summer/senior-itis has hit nearly everyone, Lynn Classical High School students took the time to pay tribute to soldiers present and past during Tuesday’s ceremony.”Whether we have finals or not, we take the time to honor our heroes,” said Senior Class President Brian Maldanado, who emceed the event.Cadets from the school’s Star Program presented the colors while everyone joined in singing the national anthem. Junior Class Treasurer Haley Sheehan shared the history of Memorial Day, which was originally called Decoration Day, and wasn’t declared a national holiday until 1971. Poems were shared and music played, but it was veteran Jeffrey Hollet who brought the importance of the day home to students.Hollet, who also works in City Hall’s Department of Veterans Services, was born on the Fourth of July and served a total of 27 years in the military. He said he had some extraordinary and some harrowing experiences while serving in places like Egypt, Japan and Iraq.He reminded students that “we are in fact a country in war and we can’t forget that.” He said when he was a young kid, people were taught to revere soldiers and veterans, and he indicated some of that might have been lost over the years.He also noted that the real heroes in wartime are the families left behind.”When you join the military, you train to do a job,” he said. “I left family behind and they were not trained. They are the unsung American heroes today ? their training is waiting for their loved one to come home.”Hollet also issued two challenges to students. He asked them to remember those who have served and who are still serving and to ask themselves if they are, collectively, as a society, worthy of the sacrifices made. He also challenged them to hang a flag or do something on June 14, Flag Day, to honor the red, white and blue.”If you guys can do that, it will mean the world to all veterans,” he said, adding, “Our past is a past to be proud of but live into your future.”Maldanado presented Hollet with a small token from the school, “for all his service and for being an amazing person,” he said.Principal Gene Constantino also left the students with a challenge.”As you’re eating lunch, listening to headphones, texting and going on, take a half a second to look up,” he said.The ceiling of the cafeteria is covered with flags that represent the diversity of the school. Constantino said all students would find a flag representing their homeland, and they should thank a veteran for everything they have done so that they have the freedom they do.