Letters: Pleasant Memories of St. Mary’s HS/Gloucester Catholic
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in 1943. The same year, I received notice that I was drafted in the U.S. Army.
Sister sent a letter to the draft board asking that I could graduate before entering the army. As long as I kept up my grades and maintained good averages, I was allowed to graduate. If I failed, I had to report to the draft board.
I was able to graduate in June. Sister Maria DeChantal gave me a medal and made me promise to wear it at all times. I taped it to my dog tags.
Having being wounded, and serving in the Battle of the Bulge, I retuned home.
I showed Sister the medal, which she had given me.
I have many happy memories of St. Mary's now called Gloucester Catholic. It truly is a sad day for Gloucester. I am sorry to hear of this plan to leave Gloucester City.
Charles W. Bastien
Class of '43 St. Mary's