Long May She Wave!

Posted on July 4, 2023 | 6 Comments

The Orphenians have returned to Westport, after a musical, educational and inspirational trip to Hawaii.

One day, Staples High School’s elite a cappella group visited the USS Arizona Memorial, above the remains of the battleship sunk on December 7, 1941.

Phillip Sullivan in a somber moment, on the USS Arizona. Many Orphenians had relatives who served in World War II.

Before leaving, they returned to Pearl Harbor. This time, on the deck of the USS Missouri –where the peace treaty ending World War II was signed — the Orphenians offered passersby a stirring rendition of our national anthem.

(Photos/Danielle Dobin)

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6 responses to “Long May She Wave!”

  1. Carole Orland | July 4, 2023 at 5:57 am | Reply

    How special! My dad served on the USS Missouri and witnessed the signing of the surrender. I have his letter describing this awesome moment in history along with an actual piece of the deck.
    Congrats to the Orphenians!

    • Lou Mall | July 4, 2023 at 2:18 pm | Reply

      It’s amazing to stand on the very spot where history was made. From the USS Arizona, where the war began to the USS Missouri, where it ended, a trip to Pearl Harbor was a lifetime highlight.
      Happy 4th of July!

  3. Deirdre O’Farrelly | July 4, 2023 at 4:59 pm | Reply

    Beautiful. Well done Orphenians,
    what a memorable trip, so glad you got that opportunity.
    Thanks for sharing this.

  4. Chip Stephens SHS73 | July 4, 2023 at 5:37 pm | Reply

    So AWSOME

  5. Gracine Bueti | July 5, 2023 at 3:47 am | Reply

    Thank you for sharing that beautiful rendition of our anthem! Well done Orphenians!

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