Memorial Day Observance @ Hampton Academy Jr. High School – May 29, 1998

Sheila: “Hampton Academy students will now offer you character profiles of each of these young men.”

1. RICHARD T. RAYMOND, offered by Sierra Parker / [1998, Tricia Barry]:

“Richard Raymond was born in a small town known as Hampton. He was brought into this world on a cold December day, 79 years ago. Being a child in the 1920’s was a challenge, especially on those cold days when all the children had to walk to the East End School. Richard was a young boy who lived for life. He always awaited a challenge and tried everything before saying he didn’t like it. Being a very good student at Hampton Academy wasn’t enough for Richard. He needed more to his life. Richard went to get a job with the University of New Hampshire, playing drums on a ship going to Europe. After being told that the ship was going on strike and would not be returning to the United States, Richard joined the Merchant Marines.

“Richard married a young German girl in Hamburg, Germany, in 1937. Maria Kohl, Richard’s wife, was unable to return to the United States to set up a house and family because she was considered an enemy alien and could not come over until 1942.

“Richard was on the ship, the S.S. Dorchester, during World War II. On February 3, 1943, while heading towards Greenland, the Dorchester was hit by a torpedo and it sank. Over 600 died when the ship went down. As the ship sank, four chaplains sang hymns and passed out life jackets. However, the water was just too cold for anyone to survive.

“Richard Raymond grew up at 25 Dearborn Avenue in Hampton. When you think of Richard Raymond and other war heroes, do you remember them as young men and women who lived next door? Do you wonder which of them would be doctors, or lawyers, or teachers? Or which one would be helping to make our world a better place? There is a statue at Hampton Beach of a lady holding a wreath. This statue stands as a remainder for those who lost their lives at sea. Please remember Richard Raymond as a young man from Hampton who died trying to help his country become a better place.” [RAYMOND LANE is named in his honor.]”

2. LINCOLN H. AKERMAN, offered by Alex Loiseau / [1998, Andrea Bonsaint]:

“Lincoln Herbert Akerman was born on March 25, 1916. His parents were Mrs. May Akerman and the late Charles Akerman. Lincoln had two brothers, Oliver and Charles. He also had three sisters, Charlotte, Priscilla, and Josephine. Lincoln grew up in Hampton Falls, and went through Hampton schools. Lincoln was a typical student who disliked school very much.

“Lincoln Akerman was the first young man from Hampton to be drafted and the first to be sent overseas from Hampton. Lincoln was drafted in August of 1941. He was 25 years old. He was stationed at Camp Edwards [Mass.]. Then for 9 months he was stationed at New Caledonia before he was shipped out. Lincoln Akerman was married to Patricia Butler and had a son name Brian, who was born in September of 1942. He was the first Hampton soldier reported to lose his life in conflict. Lincoln died in the Philippines.

“He has recognition in the Philippines. He is not buried there. Lincoln volunteered to go into big bomb holders and to defuse the bombs without getting hurt. In order to do this safely, he had to use a specific door. Unfortunately, Lincoln went into the wrong door and got blown up.

“Lincoln Akerman was not just another soldier. He was a hero. We should be grateful for what he did for us and our country. In memory of Lincoln Akerman, Hampton Falls, named the elementary school after him.”

3. ROLAND M. GRAY, offered by Megan Hopkins / [1998,Josie Eiras]:

“Roland Gray was born in Woolrich, Maine, on June 22, 1923. In 1940, he moved to Hampton and attended Hampton Academy. Roland like hunting, football, baseball, fishing, and performing in the school plays. He graduated from Hampton Academy; in 1941, and attended Wentworth Institute in Boston. He was the first of his class to go to war. He received his training in Camp Hale, Colorado in a ski troop. Later he was transferred to the Army Air Corps. In 1944, he went overseas serving in England, France, Germany, and Belgium as a member of the 84th Division, 33rd Infantry. He was killed in action in Belgium on December 24, 1944. He was survived by his parents, and his sister.” [GRAY AVENUE is named in his honor.]

4. NEIL R. Underwood, offered by Meghann Brackett / [1998, Alison Leverone]:

“Neil Underwood was not a typical young man for that time. He was raised by his aunt, Kate Harrington, at Hampton Beach. He loved hunting, fishing, and driving around town in his convertible looking at girls. He was known around Hampton as a fun-loving young man. He was not a particularly good student at Hampton Academy and he transferred to Whitcomb High School in Bethel, Vermont.

“Neil joined the Army Air Corps and became part of a flight crew that trained in Kansas, Kentucky, and California. Even though he was killed in friendly fire he was still a hero.

“Lt. Neil R. Underwood, 1918-1944, of Hampton, N.H. was a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps. He was shot down in a flight over Corsica, France on August 17, 1944. His death was caused by a communication error by the ground crew. When the plane was found, his body was missing and never recovered. Investigators thought that he survived the crash and was captured by the enemy and later killed.

“Neil Underwood died when his daughter Deborah Lynn was two days old. His medal was presented to her in the home of the Lieutenant’s widow, Mrs. Phyllis Underwood.

“After the war, five bridges were dedicated to our war dead. The bridges were dedicated Wednesday, in an Armistice Day Ceremony, conducted by the Hampton Post #35 American Legion. Lt. Neil R. Underwood, Jr’s Bridge is a memorial bridge over Hampton River. Lt. Underwood served as a lifeguard on Hampton Beach and was a dedicated American.”

5. NORMAN M. DEARBORN, offered by Shannon Dorman / [1998, Kirsten Russell]:

“Norman Dearborn was born in the year 1917. H:is parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. Milton Dearborn raised him in a small house on Exeter Road. When he went to Hampton Academy for his primary education, including his graduation of high school, he was a good student, making Honor Rolls. His favorite subjects were math and science, in which he did well in both. He was a well-rounded child playing trumpet in the school band, and baseball as a sport.

“After he graduated, Norman went to Bentley College, Accounting and Finance. After he got his degree there, he got a job at New England Telephone and Telegraph. While he was going to school at Hampton Academy, he met a lady named Betty Chase. Five years after they graduated, they got married. They lived together in Boston, near Fenway Park. Once in a while they would be in their apartment and would hear the crowd cheering. Norman would always wonder out loud what had happened.

“In the year 1943, Norman enlisted in the United States Air Force. He had to go to aviation training for two years. In January of 1945, Norman was commissioned 2nd. Lieutenant and navigators wings for the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Luzon, which was in the Philippines. In November of 1945, while waiting to come home in the South Pacific, there was a plane accident. Norman, a few weeks earlier, had written to Mrs. Betty Dearborn telling her that he and the others shad been having trouble with the plane and had to stop and have it repaired. They tested it and it seemed fine. So they started their journey home. When they were overseas, the plane went down an all aboard were killed.

“Norman’s body was laid to rest in the High Street Cemetery at his family’s plot. Norman Dearborn was the tenth Hampton man to die during World War II. He died after serving his country and should be remembered for his bravery. Mr. Dearborn received a Gold Star by The American Legion for his service in the war. [DEARBORN AVENUE is named in his honor.]”

6. HARRY A. PARR, JR., offered by LB Morrissey / [1998, Anthony Bronzo]:

“Today I am here to let you know about Harry Alfred Parr through the eyes of my grandmother, Lorraine (Parr) Beush, his sister. Harry Parr was born March 25, 1917 and moved to Hampton in 1929, when he was twelve years old. He graduated from Hampton Academy receiving the Honor Medal for outstanding scholastic achievement. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was a group of young people located in Littleton, New Hampshire to clear parks and trails. They lived in barracks and earned a very small salary. While working for C.C.C., one of the supervisors recognized his intelligence and his exceptional leadership qualities and convinced him to go to U.N.H.

“Harry spent five years at U.N.H. becoming a civil engineer. At first he had wanted to be a forester, but changed his mind. At U.N.H. he made the football team, Wildcats. His first year playing, he injured his knee and had to have it operated on forcing him to give up football. He then joined the Pep Squad.

“Upon graduating from U.N.H. in 1941, he went to work for the Army Corps of Engineers working in Franklin, New Hampshire. After enlisting in the A.C.of E. he did officers training at Fort Belivar, Virginia. In June of 1942, he married Evelyn Brown from Camden, Maine who at the time was a school teacher in Kensington, New Hampshire. On January 9, 1944, his company battalion was shipped to active duty in Europe. On January 11, 1944, just two days after he left the country, Randall Alfred Parr was born. Lieutenant Parr did not live to see his only son.

“He was killed on November 27th, 1944 when the jeep he was travelling in, hit a land mine and exploded. This was during the Battle of the Bulge. He was buried in Margraaten, Holland. In 1948, his remains were brought back to the High Street Cemetery and buried. [PARR STREET was named in his honor.]”

7. EDWARD W. TOBEY, offered by Bryan Lafond / [1998, Stephanie Judd]:

“Edward William Tobey was born on February 13, 1920 in Dover, New Hampshire. He was raised up in a house on the corner of Academy Ave. and High Street right across from the school. He was an excellent athlete. He played many sports such as baseball, basketball and hockey. He also played piccolo in the school band. He was involved on many school activities including the glee club, the senior play, and he was a sports writer for the school newspaper. He graduated from Hampton Academy in 1938. Then he went to the University of New Hampshire.

“Edward then registered for the United States Army Band. He was chosen for the 1940 Army draft. He trained in NOrth Carolina. Edward was then commissioned in Mexico as a Lieutenant. He learned how to fly and become a tail-gunner on a B-29 with a thirteen man crew. Edward flew on one of the first B-29’s with secret radar on it. His crew was sent to the tiny island of Tinian, in the South Pacific. Their mission was to carry bombs that were going to bomb Japan. On their 7th mission, the plane’s engine failed. The plane crashed and exploded. Every crew member except one, died. Edward Tobey was killed. The same Edward Tobey who once walked the halls of Hampton Academy. He was killed in action on May 20th, 1945. Although he lies buried in the South Pacific, there is a stone here to honor his memory.

“If you are able to save a place for him inside you, when you are going to places he can no longer go, take what Edward Tobey and others like him have taught you with their dying …. and keep it with you always. And someday, in a time when people decide and feel safe to call war insane …. take one moment and think of those heroes that were left behind. A moment on Memorial Day — their day. Remember Edward for his bravery, courage, and the heroic things he did for our country. [TOBEY STREET is also named in his honor.]

8. ROBERT LORD, offered by Lindsey Preston / [1998, Ethan Manning]:

“When we first went to speak with the sisters of Bob Lord, we never expected to be so moved. It was very obvious to us how much they loved him and still missed him. Bob got along well with his family, and he loved them. Every day when he would come home from school he would greet his mother by picking her up and swinging her around.

“Bob did well in school, and was involved in the football and baseball teams. Bob was also an outdoors’ man. He loved to hunt and to fish.

“Bob had always wanted to fly, and so he joined the air force one month before he would have graduated from high school. While Bob was in the air force he made an effort to return home for a visit whenever possible. On the night before his final government mission, he came home to take his little sister out to dinner to celebrate her birthday, and afterwards he spent time with his fiancee. He left the next day, only a few days before he would have turned 21.

“Bob Lord had the honor of being a part of the crew of the first radar guided plane. They had taken off in California and were headed towards Oregon when the plane crashed into a mountain and was destroyed, killing him and his crew mates. The government thought it was the result of sabotage. The day before Robert had left, he had arranged to have a dozen roses sent to his mother for Mother’s Day. Bob’s mother received the roses on Mother’s Day, and later on that same day, she received word that Bob was presumed dead.

“Bob is one of the many soldiers who gave their lives for their country, and he, like all of them deserves to be remembered.”

9. RICHARD W. BLAKE, offered by Brian Hurley / [1998, Sarah Karpman]:

Richard Warren Blake, was born on September 3, 1924 and was killed in action on February 20, 1945.

Richard Blake was not just another face in the crowd. At six-foot-three, not many people are. Richard was an outstanding athlete who loved to ski and play basketball. He was also a member of the All-State basketball team. He had everything he needed including a four year scholarship to the University of Connecticut. But, in 1943, after Richard had graduated with his class at Hampton Academy, he joined the Air Force. Shortly after deciding to become a pilot, Richard was given the chance to volunteer for the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, also known as the ski troops. Mr. Blake joined and was sent for training at Camp Hale in Colorado. There, along with fifteen thousand other men, he trained to climb, ski, and survive. He trained during the day and at night in temperatures reaching fifty below zero. In december of 1945, after about a year of training, Richard was sent to Naples, Italy by boat. Then, on foot, Richard Blake marched in Northern Italy to Mt. Belvedere along the stronghold of the Germans.

After two months of hard fighting, as he led an attack on Mt. Belvedere, Richard Blake was shot down and killed by German gunfire. His body was shipped back to Hampton is buried here [in the High Street Cemetery]. Shortly after, the combined forces of the Americans and the British captured Mt. Belvedere and the German line was broken. About a thousand men on the Allied side were killed in the attack. On May 2, 1945, the hostilities in Italy ended. Richard Blake was awarded a Purple Heart and the Infantry Badge for honorable and outstanding service. Many people cared for Richard. Many expressed their feelings in words. “Bill” Elliot wrote a poem when he heard a young boy talking about Richard Blake. The boy said, “Gee! he was a great guy!” The poem went as follows:

“We all owe, not to just Mr. Blake, but to all the men who have ever died in service to our country, a great debt. [BLAKE LANE is named in his honor.]”

10. ROBERT K. WHITE, offered by Jesse Green / [1998, Molly Lang]:

Robert White was in the Class of ’43 at Hampton Academy. He was a good student and participated in events such as basketball and football. He also enjoyed music. He played the piano and later the accordion. His sister [Alice White Dalton], was also musically talented. She played in Hampton’s first school orchestra [at the Centre School].

He entered the service on March 16, 1944. In October of the same year he was sent overseas to Wolfgaaten, Germany, as a member of the 310th Infantry.

Robert’s best friend, Richard Blake, was killed when they were both fighting overseas. When Robert heard the news of his friend’s death, he wrote this letter to the Blake Family:

“Dear Folks:
“I wish there was some way I could let you know of my real feelings on this beautiful Easter morning. Words on paper can never express what thoughts I have.

“I heard only the other day about Richard. I know it’s useless for me to tell you not to feel badly. It’s not human nature to do so. I do, it was hard for me to read the lines in which my mother told me.

“This morning as I was reading my Bible, I came across the lines, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” I deeply believe that Richard was one of the chosen few. What greater thing could a man give his life for? Love of God, love of his country and the knowledge that he was building the road to a better world.

“As I write this, I’m wondering what kind of an Easter you folks at home will have. Today is quiet. More quiet than it has been in a long time. I guess that even the Germans have enough religion left in them to observe this greatest of all the days of the year.

“We will have services at the front today. Even amid the hell of war, God is with us.

“Let me close with this thought in mind that Richard has not passed away but has only gone on ahead of us to a better place in Heaven just as he helped better this earth. I believe this with all my heart and know that we’ll meet again someday.

“Keep up your courage and don’t lose your faith in God.

“Private First Class Robert White was killed on July 1, 1945 in a train accident at the age of 19. He was travelling from a furlough to Riviera to Paris. After his death, the bodies of Robert White and Richard Blake, who was Robert’s best friend and who had died earlier, were brought back to Hampton. The town held a double ceremony in their honor. [WHITE’S LANE is named in his honor.]”

11. MURRAY L. SMITH, offered by Alexa LaMontagne]:

My Grandfather;

Over 50 years ago, when this school was the High School, a young man walked down these halls getting ready for graduation. He looked forward to attending UNH to get a degree in zoology and then maybe even marry and have a family. That man was my Grandfather, [Murray L. Smith].

While he was at Hampton Academy, he co-won the Joseph O. Hobbs Memorial trophy for all-around extra-curricular activities and academic work and he co-won the MVP award for basketball. He played football at the school as well. He loved sports.

In his senior year he met a young freshman Donna Dunbrack who he later married and is my grandmother Donna Smith. Together they had five kids; Murray (Jr.), Greg, Rhonda, Gary and Gia. All attended Hampton Academy. I am the fourth generation of my family to attend Hampton Academy.

True to his dreams, Murray Smith (my grandfather) graduated from UNH with a degree in zoology and received a commission from the United States Air Force in 1955 as a Second Lt., Murray trained and became an Air Force pilot. In his 12 years of service, he attained the rank of Major. He began a tour of duty in South East Asia on January 24, 1967. On December 21, 1967, at the age of 34, Murray Smith was injured in a plane crash in Phong Dinh, South Vietnam. He died a few days later as a result of burns from the crash in a hospital in Japan.

You can now find his name on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC, on the traveling wall and at the Memorial Union Building on the campus of UNH.

I didn’t know my grandfather, but I know he was a great man.

SMITH AVENUE is named in his honor.

12. BRUCE W. BROWN, offered by Max Fatello:

Bruce Brown was born in Washington, DC on February 13,1945. He was the son of Harold and Muriel Brown. His father was a Naval officer. His mother was the first Special Education teacher in the Hampton school system. She taught at Hampton Academy. After being born in Washington, DC, Bruce and his family moved to Hampton Falls, living in the family homestead before settling in Hampton on Locke Road. Bruce’s father was also a H.A. graduate.

Bruce liked sports baseball being his favorite. Bruce was very smart but not very interested in studying. His interests leaned more toward an active social life and motorcycles and cars. He worked for Stan Brown, a very well known Hampton resident, who had a car dealership in Hampton back then. Bruce began working with cars after his junior high years. At the high school he was known for his motorcycles and for being a ladies man. Bruce like many Hampton young men owned a boat and did his own maintenance on it. He loved the outdoors. Bruce lived his live to the fullest never missing a chance to have a fun time. He was a very popular young man at the high school.

After graduating WHS in 1962 Bruce went to UNH. He left the University deciding that college was not for him. Then he enlisted in the Army and was sent to Officer Candidate school . He graduated as 2nd Lt. and left for Vietnam just before Christmas in 1967.

n August 17`,1968 LT. Brown was awarded the Bronze Star through his heroic actions. Lt. Brown’s Unit was attacked by enemy troops firing automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. The Citation read “Lt. Brown immediately organized his elements …. He unhesitantly dismounted his track, located a medic and with total disregard for his own safety raced from vehicle to vehicle loading casualties and providing immediate aid to the injured.

“On August 27, 1968, Lt. Brown was on a reconnaissance mission near a Vietnamese village by the name of Binh Yen. Suddenly they were under hostile fire from bunkers and trenches. Lt. Brown ordered suppressive fire on the enemy. While approaching the enemy bunkers Lt. Brown’s tank took two rounds from a recoilless rifle disabling the tank and seriously wounding Lt. Brown. Brown was awarded the Silver Star for his actions that day and was sent to Brooks Army Medical Center, at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio Texas. He died a week later on September 12th, 1968 from his wounds.”

Lt. Bruce Brown died serving our country and we should be extremely thankful for him and all the other who have died in combat fighting for our country. [The BROWN MARINE PIER is named in his honor]

13.

“Desiree Loy was a former student and a friend, a good friend. When I began teaching in Hampton, Desiree was a sixth grader who loved dogs, horses, music and learning. As a seventh grader, Desiree was a soloist in the first performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Desiree starred in the 8th Grade musical, Winnie the Pooh. She also won the American Legion Memorial Day essay contest that year. At Winnacunnet [High School], Desiree Loy was involved in cheerleading, yearbook, student council, madrigal singers, and was voted most talkative and most talented.

“In 1975, Desiree toured Europe with America’s Youth In Concert sponsored by Princeton University. In 1979, she sang with the Rhode Island College chamber singers at Carnegie Hall in New York. In 1981 and 82, my young friend Desiree won Air Guard Scholarships that financed her paralegal studies at UNH. 1983 found Desiree caring for patients at the NH State Hospital. That was also the year that she completed here training as Boom Operator and received her wings. In her spare time she could be found working as a volunteer at Prescott Park, or for Pro-Portsmouth, or at Market Square Day. She also volunteered at the Stratham SPCA. While Desiree was at UNH, she campaigned very hard for safe parking facilities for the Kari-Van drivers, whose days began at 5:30 AM. She was successful in that effort. Desiree provided the world with a special warmth and glow.

“Desiree was a loving and thoughtful daughter who would leave notes and poems for her mother when she came home from her shift as Emergency Room nurse at midnight. My friend Desiree lived and loved well. My last recollection of Desiree is in early August 1985, just two weeks before her death. She was preparing to head out to California for training. Nothing excited her more than flying, not even the passion for music that we had long shared. We had lunch in a small Boston restaurant to celebrate the friendship that we had maintained for 15 years. Little did I realize that that would be our last conversation. Desiree Loy was killed in the crash of a KC-135 Aircraft at Beale Air Force Base in California on August 27, 1985. Her remains rest here in Hampton at the High Street Cemetery.

“I ask that you now please stand for our closing ceremony and remain standing for a benediction offered by Chaplain Holman, a reading of Hampton’s Honor Roll by Kaylie Grace, Taps by Elizabeth Cushing & Peter Kimball, the singing of ‘Two Fatherlands’, led by Mrs. Elizabeth Peterson, the Recessional by Amy Strong & Andrew Price and the Retiring of the Colors by the WHS Jr. Marine ROTC.”

“Our memories are important to us as individuals and as a community. As individuals, it is our memory that defines who we are as persons. Many of you know that when one has Alzheimer’s or dementia that person often forgets friends, family, even their own names. They remember nothing about who they were and why they were.

“As a community it is just as important to have shared memories, to know our past, where we came from, who made these moments possible. Within these walls is a wealth of history. Whether we are a student, a teacher or an administrator here, life at Hampton Academy began long before any of us set foot in this building.

“The young people remembered this afternoon sat here for assemblies. Their artwork graced the walls. Their musical talents were showcased in concerts. They wrote for the newspaper, played and often excelled at sports. Some were good students. Others were hardly students at all. All died before the age of 35; some before the age of 20. They are a part of each and every one of here today. In some way, all left a legacy for our school community.

“If we ignore them, if we forget their contributions, their faces, their names – they lose their lives again. We, present here today, are their voices. Only those of us who care to know their stories can pass them on to the next generation.

“They are part of us in a very large way. They bought candy at Marelli’s, they fished at Batchelder’s Pond. They attended these churches, belongs to the Scouts, flirted, danced, laughed, sang, and cried just as we do today. They bicycled on Winnacunnet Road, Exeter Road, High Street and Lafayette Road. They skied, fished and surfed; they played ball on these fields and in this gym.

“As you leave here today, as you prepare for weekend activities, please stop to remember these young people. Remember that they gave the “last full measure” of which President Lincoln spoke. Remember their names; remember that 60 years after some of their deaths, friends and family still recall their loving ways. Remember that they helped to make our community rich in honor, in courage and in pride. It is only in our knowing and remembering that their legacy will continue to live. Young friends, please remember! Remember! Remember!”