Below is a press release from Lowell Catholic:
LOWELL, MA – On Wednesday, November 6, 2019, Lowell Catholic students recognized the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces in a Veterans Day prayer service.
Service is at the center of LC’s mission and identity as a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School. Each year, students and faculty gather to honor veterans, remembering especially Pfc John F. Landry Jr., a 2005 graduate of Lowell Catholic, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty in Baghdad on March 17, 2007.
Lowell Catholic has created a scholarship in Pfc Landry’s memory. At the prayer service, this year’s recipient, senior Ian Sullivan, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Abigail Moore sang the national anthem.
Head of School Maryellen Demarco said that in her time at Lowell Catholic, several students have made the honorable and brave choice not only to serve their community but to serve their country. She urged students to keep those individuals in their prayers.
During the ceremony, Louis Cimaglia, director of Veterans Services for the town of Wilmington said, “It’s just crazy how fast life goes by, but we always, always need to stop and remember the men and women who have served our country this Veterans Day and every day, and those who have lost their lives in defence of our country.”
He reminded students to be brave and go after their dreams like John did.
Jaime Melendez, president of the Massachusetts Veterans Services Officers Association, said, “Pfc Landry was the epitome of the Soldiers Creed, and he truly stood for freedom and the American way of life.”
Scholarship recipient Ian Sullivan was moved by the service.
“It was such an honor to be awarded the scholarship in John Landry’s memory, but to hear today about what an amazing and inspiring individual he was and recognize that Lowell Catholic’s administration see those same qualities reflected in me was truly humbling,” he said. “I feel very blessed and honored to help keep his memory alive at Lowell Catholic.”
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