Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

May 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mayor to Honor Local Veterans and Students Aiding Military on Memorial Day

HAVERHILL- Mayor James J. Fiorentini announced that he will be honoring some local veterans and St. Joseph’s School students who have aided the military and the war effort in Iraq.  These recognitions will become part of the Memorial Day celebrations slated for Monday, May 26.

At the reviewing stand at the terminus of the Memorial Day parade route, the Mayor will present citations to Thomas DiPietro, Sr., a United States Army veteran who reached the rank of E-5 during his service in the Vietnam War.  A successful businessman, Mr. DiPietro has been a leader in the development of the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, a non-profit service agency headquartered in Haverhill that provides support services including meals, job training, counseling and housing to hundreds of area veterans.

“On this Memorial Day, I’d like to pause and thank all of those who have died in preserving our basic freedoms,” noted the Mayor, the keynote speaker at the City’s Memorial Day services.  “In addition, I’d like to recognize Tom as a representative of those who have contributed so much to the cause of American veterans and servicemen.”

The Mayor also will be recognizing and saluting the war relief efforts of school children and families at St. Joseph’s School in Haverhill.  Student peers led by Principal Carol Simone, Teacher Catherine Hefferan as well as teacher advisors Michelle LaPlume and Cheryl Torres, collected donations of over 3,400 items, including school supplies such as writing implements, backpacks, soccer balls, notebooks, and other necessities as part of an ‘Adopt-a-School’ initiative in Iraq.  These supplies and care packages were shipped to United States military personnel who are overseeing schools in Iraq.

“Through their efforts, these students are helping with the rebuilding of war-torn Iraq,” noted the Mayor.  “I am extremely proud that the U.S. military values the efforts of these children.  All of these children at St. Joes have learned important lessons as part of this initiative, and they deserve this recognition” added the Mayor.

The annual Memorial Day parade begins Monday at 10AM.