As we reflect on the sad passing of Earl Richard and his son Steven, I’d like to share a story about Steve and how proud he was of his father. Earl was a World War II Navy veteran who celebrated his 98th birthday last year. As Lynnfield’s Veterans Services Officer, I approached Steve and asked him if he thought his father would like to be honored in our Memorial Day parade. A local couple, Ralph and Stacey Sevinor, volunteered to provide their convertible for Earl to ride in. Steve asked his dad, who didn’t hesitate to say yes. On the morning of the parade, Steve brought Earl to the Middle School, and with a smile from ear to ear, helped him get comfortably into the car. While helping me to lead the parade, Earl waved to the many residents who cheered and yelled; “Thank you for your service.” After the parade, Steve and his dad sat up front during our ceremony, at which time I introduced Earl and read the following summary written by Steve about his father’s wartime experience:
“Earl joined the Navy in 1940. His first assignment was aboard a heavy cruiser, USS Vincennes. The ship was sent to assist in the invasion of the island of Guadalcanal. In the early morning hours of August 9, under the cover of darkness, the Japanese Navy opened fire on American and Australian Navy ships. The Vincennes suffered heavy damage and was on fire and sinking. The order was given to abandon ship. In less than an hour after the bombing had started, the Vincennes was lost. Earl spent the rest of that night, and into the dawn, in shark-infested waters aiding another wounded shipmate in keeping afloat. They were eventually picked up in the early morning by a destroyer, the USS Mugford.”
Steve wrote how his father remembered the events of that night as if it happened last week.
I will never forget how proud Steve was in helping to make last year’s Memorial Day so special.
My sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to the entire Richard family. Rest in peace Earl and Steve, we will all miss you.
Bruce Siegel
Veterans Services Officer
Lynnfield
