Our first annual Veterans Day service was quite moving, especially to see both men and women veterans present in our assembly. Some were in uniform; others were in plainclothes. However, there was one population that was missing--and that was our active servicemen who are alumni of Good Shepherd Catholic School. One of those alumni, Fred Thomas, is currently serving with the Army and is stationed in Junction City, Kansas. He graduated from Good Shepherd in 2015. I used to visit with him at St. John’s or at St. Elizabeth’s after Mass when he was a college student at Norwich University. Some of you may remember his mother, Christine, who taught 5th/6th Grade Religion which I happily inherited after she moved on.

     Every month I write Fred a letter sharing events from St. Johnsbury, GSCS, and my life in general. It’s hard to be away from home. I pray for him every day that his time in the Army may be safe and fulfilling. I am also enormously proud of him. I have great respect for military men and women.

Written By: Father Lance W. Harlow

Date Published: November 14, 2024