I still hear the bells.
In 1957, I enlisted in the United States Navy. So, in 1957 and ’58, I saluted an American flag with 48 stars. In 1959, the number of stars jumped to 59 with Alaska’s statehood. Then, in 1960, I saluted an American flag with 60 stars.
As the sun went down over Naval Air Station, Key West, “Colors” was sounded and all sailors and Marines, outdoors, were supposed to turn toward the main flag pole and salute. I recall that many sailors would run to get inside a barracks, or mess hall, or hangar, so as to avoid the necessity of saluting the flag. They were missing out on performing an honor to the flag of their country.
In September 1961, I was an Engineering Freshman at Manhattan College. I stood in line to register, and the fellow in front of me was surprised to see that my Cardinal Hayes High School ring was “1957” and not “1961”.
I was on the Manhattan Varsity Swim Team (yes, there was a Men’s Swim Team, but the old pool is gone). We had to eat lunch earlier so we could practice in the afternoon. As I ran down the stairs to Plato’s Cave, the noon time Angelus Bells would sound. Students would run into the nearest building, even Smith Auditorium, to avoid the necessity of saying a few “Hail Marys” (and to themselves). They were missing an opportunity to honor the Virgin and to gain some grace.
Now, as I hit my seventieth year, I sometimes drive through downtown Plymouth, Massachusetts, just as the Angelus Bells are ringing at my church, the Church of St. Peter. I can’t pull over, but I do begin, “The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary”.
Yes, I still hear the bells.
John Peter Rooney
Engineering, Manhattan College, 1965
Senior Member IEEE
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[JR: When I was in the military, on a tri service installation, I use to enjoy being out for "recall". I specifically remember the Marines falling out of their offices or quarters to assemble for recall. And, not just the shmoes. Officers too. It was not organized; just something they "did". (I remember on Saturday mornings how they'd fall out as a group at 6AM for their "run", very noisy and disturbing to this airman's sleep. I admired that a lot less.) When I was in High School, since I was usually being reprimanded for some transgression or other, I was usually late getting over for lunch. We Prepsters had to be in and out quick to be out of the way. I remember be caught a lot. Maybe it helped. Hmmm, maybe it was even deliberate? Hey, I waz tricked!]
Rooney, John Peter (MC1965)
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