A group of contemplative individuals gathered at Brigham Circle on Memorial Day to pay homage to those veterans who lost their lives in defense of our country.
Col. George Rollins, Commander of the Mission Hill Post 327, presided over the observance and M.H. Post members Bill Mullin, and Jim O’Neill placed a wreath on the monument. Bill, Jim and Mike Killion then read the names on the memorial stones of all the veterans from Mission Hill who died in the line of duty.
World War II veteran Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse spoke passionately about representing Mission Hill when he attends the 80th anniversary of D Day in Normandy, France, on June 6.
M.H. Post member Garret Savluk did a fine job playing ‘Taps’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ on his bugle.
Other notable faces in the Brigham Circle crowd included Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan, Mission Hill Main Streets Director Courtney Wright, and former M.H. Main Street Director Ellen Walker, whose heart never left Mission Hill.
After the ceremony we crossed the street for some terrific food at the Mission Bar & Grill. At the Mission someone jokingly cited the old Mission Hill adage: “No drinking before noon,” but I think I heard the noon church-bells ringing.
Our country lost a great hero when Mission Hill Post member George Salah passed away April 16, a month shy of his 101st. birthday.
George, who grew up in Mission Hill on Whitney Street graduated from Boston English in 1940. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the Navy and drove Navy landing in the Europe and Pacific theaters.
He won numerous battle stars including those at Omaha Beach, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. I’m fortunate to have known George and on many occasions to have had dinners and beers with this remarkable man.
Mission Church Redemptorist priest Father Philip Dabney and parishioner Fred Cataldo traveled South to visit Father Robert Lennon at a nursing home in New Smyrna, Fla.
Father Lennon, who was the Healing and Restoration Minister at Mission Church for 30 years, was upbeat and grateful for the visit.
A belated Happy Birthday (May 23) to Janese King – Marshall, a charming young lady who is the assistant manager at the Charlesbank Cooperative (650 Huntington Ave.) where I reside..
Condolences to the family of William “Bill” Nagle, who passed away last month.
Bill graduated from Mission High School, where he was a star football player.
Mike Killion remembers Bill at Mission High from the ‘60s when they were teammates. “Bill was a good guy and a terrific speedy running back,” he said.
Bill later graduated from Boston State College, and he became a schoolteacher, teaching in several schools throughout Massachusetts.
I attended the Mission Grammar School Road to College fundraiser on May 23 at the Church Parish Center, and it was a wonderful evening.
I loved hearing sixth-grader Legend Wilson speak with pride about his school. Legend culminated his speech by announcing that he earned a full scholarship to Boston College High, which was greeted with a thunderous ovation.
Talented Julian Mercado also earned a scholarship to B.C. High.
Congratulations to Bruce and Maria Weinograd of Mike’s Donuts on being named a recipient of Boston’s Legacy Business Award, which is awarded to those enterprises that make a strong contribution to their community. The hard-working and generous couple bought Mike’s in 1976.
Every morning, I cross the street at Mission Church to Mike’s Donuts to start my day with a coffee and muffin, served by the nice workers while I’m surrounded by friends. Mike’s Donuts is the best.
What did the donut say to the coffee?
“I’m dough – lighted to see you.”
Maurice can be reached at [email protected].