Day of 'infamy' remembered

Every year, Braintree is among the few communities in Massachusetts that remembers Japan’s Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.

To mark the 74th anniversary of the surprise assault that triggered America’s entry into World War II, an observance was held in the Cahill Auditorium of town hall.

“The important thing is never to forget to remember Pearl Harbor,” said Director of Veterans Services Richard Walsh, who told the Forum how proud he was to serve as master of ceremonies.

Participating organizations included the Braintree Veterans Council (BVC), American Legion Post 86, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1702 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 29.

The ceremony began when representatives of these organizations assembled in the lobby, marched down the center aisle and posted their colors, said Walsh, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance before the Braintree High School Concert Choir, under the direction of Rachel Hallenbeck, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

After BVC chaplain Russell DuPuis Sr. delivered an invocation, Walsh introduced dignitaries who included Mayor Joseph Sullivan, Congressman Stephen Lynch and state Rep. Mark Cusack.

Among others in attendance were town council President Thomas Bowes of District 3, Councilor-at-large Shannon Hume, District 2 Councilor John Mullaney, District 6 Councilor Paul “Dan” Clifford, Town Clerk James Casey, Police Chief Russell Jenkins and Fire Chief Jim O’Brien.

Lynch discussed the historical importance of what President Franklin D. Roosevelt called “a date which will live in infamy” before guest speaker Patrick Leonard Jr., past president of the Braintree Bi-Centennial Time Capsule Society, talked about what was going on in Braintree at the time and recognized retired police officer William “Officer Bill” Varraso and Malcolm McLeod, two World War II veterans in the audience, Walsh said.

Following Leonard’s remarks, the concert choir performed “God Bless America” before the ceremony concluded with a benediction by DuPuis and the retiring of the colors.

“In my final remarks, I asked all of the World War II veterans in attendance to stand up,” Walsh said.

Email Robert Aicardi at baicardi@wickedlocal.com.  Follow him on Twitter@BobAicardiForum.