Veterans

Leominster’s International Veterans Chorus celebrates 20 years

January 4, 2023 by pkzadmin

LEOMINSTER – 2022 was a banner year for the International Veterans Chorus, which marked both its 20th anniversary and the 99th birthday of its oldest member, World War II Navy veteran Fred Cuddy, with a celebration last month.

Former longtime city resident and Air Force veteran Fran Cooley directs the Leominster Veterans Center-based chorus that was organized by founder Donna Allard in 2002. It started with 10 members, swelled to 45, and now hovers around 25.

Leominster's International Veterans Chorus Assistant Director Dale Miller (left) and Director Fran Cooley at the music group's Christmas party last month. (COURTESY RON GIROUARD) — Leominster’s International Veterans Chorus Assistant Director Dale Miller (left) and Director Fran Cooley at the music group’s Christmas party last month. (COURTESY RON GIROUARD)

To celebrate the IVC’s 20th anniversary they did some “extra special things” last year including having their annual Christmas party held on Dec. 8 catered and celebrated Cuddy’s birthday the same day. Cuddy, the oldest member of the choir who moved to Virginia with his son a couple of years ago, usually comes back to visit around the holidays.

Cuddy is the last surviving original crew member of the USS North Carolina. He turned 18 the day after the invasion of Pearl Harbor in Honolulu on Dec. 7, 1941, went aboard the USS North Carolina in March 1942, and mustered out in October 1945.

He asked his son if he could attend the IVC Christmas party and celebrate his birthday with the chorus. Several family members including his son, daughter in law, granddaughter, great grandson and more joined him.

“Of course, we were honored to have him with us,” Cooley said, adding that their next oldest member, Norman “Cookie” Melanson, will be celebrating his 97th birthday next month.

Cooley has lived in Westminster for the last 10 years and performed in many musicals and sung in various choruses during her lifetime. She is one of the original IVC members and took over as director in the fall of 2017 when Allard “passed the baton.”

World War II Navy veteran Fred Cuddy, the oldest member of Leominster's International Veterans Chorus, celebrated his 99th birthday surrounded by friends and family at the music group's Christmas party last month. (COURTESY RON GIROUARD) — World War II Navy veteran Fred Cuddy, the oldest member of Leominster’s International Veterans Chorus, celebrated his 99th birthday surrounded by friends and family at the music group’s Christmas party last month. (COURTESY RON GIROUARD)

She said this group is different than any of the other choruses she has led or sung in, including ones in Fitchburg, Darlington, South Carolina, Germany, Oklahoma City, and Vienna, where one of her students sang with the famed Vienna Boys Choir.

“There is a great sense of camaraderie,” she said of the IVC. “So many members do things above and beyond and even after they are no longer able to attend for health reasons, they are still involved. One of our members sends cards to those who are sick, have birthdays, etc., others take care of the uniforms, music, history books. It really is a great group.”

The IVC performs at school and civic events in and around the city and while they “lost nursing homes due to COVID,” they are back to getting invitations from schools.

“COVID took some of those performances away, but we kept on singing, wearing masks at rehearsals, and brought in more solos and duets when needed,” Cooley shared.

Unfortunately, their planned 20th anniversary fall show was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts, but they performed at a Vietnam veterans event in the city earlier last year, the 9/11 ceremony in September, and some repeat gigs.

Members of the Leominster based International Veterans Chorus perform at St. Cecilia Church in 2019. (COURTESY RON GIROUARD)

“We normally sing for the White Cross Ceremony in Leominster the Friday before Memorial Day and are also usually invited to sing at the Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon on Memorial Day,” Cooley said. “I suspect we will add a few additional surprises next year.”

The music director said that some choir members move to auxiliary and then “come back to active when their schedule allows” and that the group is able to adjust on the fly during performances, not an easy thing to do.

“They are very flexible,” Cooley said. “If we need to make a last-minute change for some reason, they just watch me and adjust. This can be difficult, especially for the elderly, but they are quite the group.”

Her husband Tom Cooley and their daughter are also fellow Air Force veterans. Tom does sound for the IVC, which is open to those who served in the military overseas.

“Over the years we have had veterans from the Japanese (Armed) Forces, the British Army, and the Hungarian (Defence) Forces,” Cooley said of the eclectic mix of vets.

They perform seasonally, typically from September through December and then March to June or July depending on their last performance. They always welcome new members and practice on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Veterans Center on West Street during their active months. More information can be found on the International Veterans Chorus Facebook page.

Cooley said she would like to find another full-time music director to replace her and will be working with the board this year to make that happen.

“I used to be a member of the choir and would like to return to the chorus and sing again,” she said, adding that another member San Tatillo assists in directing as needed and that with back up director Dale Miller, they are “very blessed to have her support.”

She went on to say that they are “so thankful to have guitar support, backup directors, sound support, and photographer support” and that she thoroughly enjoys being part of the chorus and spreading joy and patriotism through their music.

“We sing at churches, nursing homes, ballgames, festivals, etc.,” Cooley said. “We are called to sing for fallen comrades, civic events, singing along with students and teaching them that we can live together in harmony even after wars.”

Overcome with emotion, Henry Condon receives honorary diploma

January 2, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Overcome with emotion and with tears in his eyes, Henry Condon, like any graduate, graciously accepted his Fitchburg High School diploma.

And it only took him nine decades.

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, the 89-year-old Condon was surprised with an honorary diploma after a lifetime of service to his country and the community. In 1950, the 16-year-old Condon left FHS during his freshman year to enlist in the U.S. Air Force as a means to provide for his 11 brothers and sisters.

Condon, who had described the lack of said diploma as one of his “biggest regrets” in life prior to the Tuesday afternoon ceremony, was “at a loss for words” after the event.

“I’m truly speechless,” Condon said. “Today has just made me so happy.”

“And it only took me my whole life, 89 years,” he said with a laugh.

After his service, Condon returned to Fitchburg and worked in the James River Paper Mill for nearly 40 years before he retired. After his retirement, Condon devoted his time to and offered advice to students at the city’s Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School.

The idea to honor Condon with the diploma had been in the works since October, when Condon’s daughter, Debra Condon née Bean, had reached out to state Rep. Michael Kushmerek. Kushmerek’s office later reached out to Superintendent Robert Jokela and, at a later date, it was determined that Condon would receive the diploma as FHS celebrated the school’s 92 recipients of the 2022 John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, a state scholarship meant to provide a credit toward tuition for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university.

FHS senior Elliott Bean, one of Condon’s 15 great-grandchildren and a recipient of the scholarship, presented Condon with the diploma after FHS Principal Tonya Jarrett announced the honor.

Bean said it was “incredible” to be the one to hand his great-grandfather the diploma and that he was “truly deserving.” Later, Jarrett said it was an “honor” to award Condon the diploma and that she was happy to be a part of the “generational family event.”

“This just meant so much to him,” Bean said after the ceremony. “And, for me, to be able to give him something like this, right before I get my own (diploma), it was just so special.”

“It was an honor to be able to provide Mr. Condon with an honorary diploma from Fitchburg High School,” Jarrett said in an email. “I am thankful for his service to our country and respect his character in helping to support his family at such a young age.”

“His wife and six children all graduated from FHS and today was special to be able to award Henry his diploma, making the whole family Red Raider graduates! Even more special was the fact that his great-grandson was able to participate in this important occasion and that I was able to be a part of a generational family event,” she said.

98-year-old World War II veteran commemorates Battle of the Bulge alongside Lowell fourth-graders

December 16, 2022 by pkzadmin

LOWELL — Nearly 80 years ago, Joe Landry was drafted into the U.S. Army at Fort Devens at just 18 years old. Only a year later, he would fight in one of the largest battles of World War II.

The Shirley native, 98, visited fourth-graders at the Collegiate Charter School of Lowell on Wednesday morning, days before the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, which began on Dec. 16, 1944.

The classroom of 25 kids were eager to talk with Landry, asking him to reflect on his feelings toward his service, especially since he was drafted — or as one student put it, “forced.” Landry reassured them, “It’s an honor to serve your country,” and it’s important they did so.

“If we hadn’t done what we did,” Landry said, “most of you would be speaking German or Japanese.”

Dana Abbott, a U.S. Air Force veteran from Ayer, helped facilitate the students’ questions, since Landry said he is “hard of hearing because of the guns” they used.

Despite being only about 10 years old, a few students seemed concerned about the draft — one girl questioned why she, too, might have to serve alongside the boys.

In response to the young girl’s concerns, Abbott said he is proud to continue to serve his country outside of combat. Both he and Landry are involved with the American Legion.

“Technically, we’re still serving our country in different aspects,” Abbott said. “And we help veterans throughout the whole country, world, that have fought for our country… It’s an honor to be a soldier and still help veterans.”

After speaking with two different fourth-grade classrooms, Landry and Abbott accepted holiday cards, crafted by the students, which will be handed off to members of the Shirley American Legion George J. Morin Post 183 who might need some extra cheer.

Ashley Bailey-O’Keefe, the student life coordinator at the school, said the elementary-aged kids are always eager to participate in canned food and sock drives and card-writing activities. Because their end-of-term exams are coming up, the students couldn’t spend more time with the veterans, Bailey-O’Keefe, but they definitely “appreciated the time.”

“For our younger kids, they’re just happy to get that experience,” Bailey-O’Keefe said. “They pack a lot of empathy, and so if we give them an opportunity to do anything voluntary, they jump on it… So being able to see them in person and getting to ask them questions face to face, that’s an experience they’re not going to forget.”

Landry was one of seven siblings, and five of them served in World War II, he said. When asked if they had a relative in the military, some of the students raised their hands.

The first question one fourth-grader asked was how old Landry is, to which he responded, “I’m only 98! Two more years, I’ll be 100.” The room applauded.

While Landry was stationed in France in the fall of 1944, he spotted an Army Jeep driving in front of him. The number on the side of the vehicle indicated it belonged to his older brother’s outfit, and when Landry stopped the car to ask where they were stationed, he found his brother sitting there looking back at him.

“Unbelievable, just a miracle,” Landry said. “And we spent Thanksgiving together.”

Though it was far from a traditional Thanksgiving meal, Landry said they indulged in K-rations — breakfast, lunch and dinner served out of a “Cracker Jack box” — and even had turkey, ice cream and pie delivered from England.

The brothers departed a couple weekends later, and Landry was in Luxembourg before the Battle of the Bulge began. Landry drove trucks, troops and supplies up to the battlefront.

Given Landry’s extensive experience, and the fact he was involved in “six major campaigns” during the war, students wondered if he was ever injured. Landry told them he was one of the lucky ones and “never got a scratch.”

Since the war concluded, Landry said he’s returned to France and Belgium, where he lowered a flag at a cemetery and presented it to a Belgian family there.

After Landry’s visit, fourth-grade teacher Amy Ivas said her students were thrilled to have the veterans in the classroom, and she appreciated the conversation’s educational value.

“I think that they really enjoyed it, I believe that they learned a lot as well,” Ivas said. “Anything about history to enrich their lives is amazing.”

Landry also visited a high school history class later in the day, where students are currently learning about the Battle of the Bulge. Their teacher, Zach LaRose, is in the Air Force Reserves and, through his military connections, helped bring Landry to the school.

LaRose conducted a pen pal program last year, in which students could write letters to veterans overseas.

Many of LaRose’s students, especially his seniors, were “really interested” in meeting the veterans, he said — one was even “star-struck.”

“It’s great to bring somebody in who experienced it,” LaRose said, “because I could talk about it, I could show videos, but having that personal connection to D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, you can’t get past that.”

Mount Wachusett Community College receives Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 907 donation

November 30, 2022 by pkzadmin

GARDNER — Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 907 visited the Mount Wachusett Community College Gardner campus on Monday to deliver their annual donation to the MWCC Foundation in support of veteran students.

The Veterans Memorial Scholarship was established to assist student veterans and ensure that their service and sacrifices will not be forgotten. Scholarship funds are awarded to new or returning full-time students who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or are currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard.

PHOTOS: Annual Trees for Soldiers event returns to Leominster

November 19, 2022 by pkzadmin

LEOMINSTER — Since 2010, the Firmani family and The Gardeners’ Spot have hosted an annual Christmas tree giveaway for local veterans and military families that have loved ones deployed. What started as a modest tribute to local heroes has grown exponentially each year.

Friday’s annual Trees for Soldiers event saw 750 trees donated. Members of the community and players on the Leominster High School football team were on hand to help with the unloading around 9 a.m.

Dog tag flag honors Global War on Terror veterans in Fitchburg

November 14, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — The Veterans & Athletes United Global War on Terror Memorial Flag, which honors all of those who have fallen serving our country since 9/11, was shining bright in Monument Park this past Veterans Day.

The flag is made of over 7,000 dog tags — one for each individual who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the GWOT — and 50 gold stars honoring Gold Star families nationwide.

“Built and funded by veterans, this flag has travelled to over 50 locations nationwide since Memorial Day 2018,” said Johnny Day, a volunteer and travel coordinator for the Veterans and Athletes United organization.

The Veterans & Athletes United is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded and run by veterans for veterans and their families.

Pictured is the Bronze War Memorial Battle Cross, brought to Fitchburg by Veterans & Athletics United, is an iconic symbol of sacrifice, honor and respect for those who have given all. The cross is a time honored military memorial that symbolizes the honor, service and sacrifice of soldiers killed in battle. (CHERYL A. CUDDAHY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

Its mission is to empower wounded, injured, and ill veterans to fully live their lives and honor our fallen heroes.

Through their internal programs and a series of service partnerships, VAU provides life-changing opportunities, challenging veterans to achieve goals beyond their disabilities.

“When I first say the flag, it meant so much to me,” said Bill Saladini, president of the Fitchburg Veterans Council. “It is the first time I have seen it in person, and it is just the perfect way to give thanks to men and women who have served our country.

Saladini says it touched him to see the last 13 names of the young men and women who lost their lives in the Afghanistan withdrawal.

John 15:13, which is displayed on the Bronze War Memorial Battle Cross states “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

“We all have our little quirks to remind us of things in our lives,” he said. “Just like Carol Burnett tugged on her ear at the end of every Carol Burnett show, I touch my earring to remind me of my brothers who I left in Vietnam. When I see flags and statutes like the one in Fitchburg, it is such a reminder for us all to give thanks to those who sacrificed their lives for our country.”

All proceeds from the flag’s travel go to support Gold Star family organizations and the GWOT Memorial Foundation’s mission to build a national memorial in Washington, D.C.

For more information on Veterans & Athletes United, and how you can donate, visit VetsAU.com. For more information on the flag, and the names honored, visit VetsAU.com/memorial.

Veterans

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