Mount Saint Charles Academy Celebrates its Royal Mounties and Military Veterans

WOONSOCKET, RI      Every year Mount Saint Charles Academy recognizes its Royal Mounties, alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more. This year was exceptionally special because in addition to this celebration, the Academy took the opportunity to also recognize its veterans, of all ages, who have served in the armed forces. Alumni who died while on active duty as well as those who have served our country and are currently serving were honored during a ceremony. This special event happened on Sunday, November 8th in what will now be known as Veterans’ Hall which is located on the main floor of the Academy adjacent to the junior/senior locker room.

The day began with Mass and brunch in Chapel Hall –  an annual tradition held in honor of the Royal Mounties. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Richard Desaulniers with members of the Academy’s choir and band performing hymns during the service. Everyone was also able to enjoy a tour of the school led by Gail Bryson, the Academy’s Alumni Director.

Immediately following brunch was the Veterans’ Hall dedication ceremony. Junior Emily Mercier sang the National Anthem and Deacon Anthony Gagliani, Mount’s director of campus ministry, delivered the invocation. President Herve Richer ’74 welcomed this distinguished group of alumni, unveiled the new memorial plaques, and officially dedicated Veterans’ Hall. Donald Demers, Director of Institutional Advancement, and President Richer read the names of the Mount alumni who died on active duty while a bell reverently rang in their honor. Next, they read the names of the alumni who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces.

Each memorial plaque is engraved with the names of alumni who died on active duty (marked by a gold star) as well as alumni who have served. Their rank, branch of service and years served are also notated. Walter Morris, from the Class of 1941 generously donated the money needed to design and manufacture the plaques. Walter served in the United States Air Force from 1943-1945, retiring as a First Lieutenant.

“It is long past time that our school honors those men and women who have graduated from here and gone on to serve in our country’s military,” President Richer said. “We should thank God each and every day for the sacrifices they — and all veterans — have made.  It is my hope that our memorial will serve as a reminder for generations of Mounties of the sacrifices so many have made and continue to make.  And perhaps the memorial will inspire others to follow in the footsteps of those whose names adorn the plaques.”

Veterans’ Hall is an ongoing project of the Academy with names being added periodically. Veteran Mount alumni (or their family members if the veteran is deceased) are encouraged to submit their information onwww.mountsaintcharles.org/alumnievents or by contacting Gail Bryson via email (alumni@staff.mountsaintcharles.org) or phone (401-769-0310 x115).

Press is asked to contact Penny Federici at 401-368-9709 or by email, federicip@staff.mountsaintcharles.org

 

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