June 26, 2008

By Rick Winterson

Reserve Sunday morning, July 13, at 11 a.m.  Within the World War II Memorial, a commemorative bench will be emplaced in Dr. William J. Reid’s honor.  Your presence is requested – please plan to be there to remember a true South Boston hero and celebrate his accomplishments.

It is entirely fitting – many might say overdue – that William J. “Doc” Reid be honored with some kind of tangible memorial at one of South Boston’s military shrines.  We remember “Doc” as an educator, a historian, a youth coach, and a true thinker and intellectual.  Some people would call him a “Renaissance man”.  “Doc” would probably prefer a more down-to-earth description, like, “He did it all.

“Doc” Reid was an officer and veteran of the United States Navy, receiving a Bronze Star for his bravery during World War II.  He stayed in the Navy Reserve for a total of 20 years, retiring with the rank of Commander.  The place for honoring him therefore becomes the World War II Memorial.  His military service, coupled with his long years of service to South Boston, earn him that recognition beyond question.

So much can be said about “Doc” that it has to be limited to some brief notes.  He was devoted to youth, but not only to their mental development.  For years, he was a youth hockey coach.  Bob Monahan recalls, “My four brothers and I became rink rats after the Murphy Rink was built.  I saw many different coaching styles, but when I started coaching, I was impressed with what ‘Doc’ did – every kid got to play, and they were having fun.  Later, when I was a referee, ‘Doc’ never argued, never said anything if I blew a call.  He only gave me that look of his – a look that could stop a freight train.”

As a result of his devotion to youth, “Doc” is now a member of the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame.

“Doc” Reid’s store of knowledge led to a dissertation on Cape Cod Canal, textbooks on the Bay State, and numerous magazine articles and encyclopedia entries.  As most know, he wrote the definitive book on Castle Island and the many reincarnations of Fort William/Fort Independence.  It is a 200-page, 100,000-word historical resource.  And, of course, he was a pillar of the South Boston Historical Society.

And “Doc” Reid served his community. 

As Bill Spain says, ““I knew ‘Doc’ for over 30 years, beginning when he was my son Matthew’s hockey coach.  When he gave tours of the Fort, the kids surrounded him like the Pied Piper.  He could keep their interest like no one else, and then he’d say, ‘Get the kids interested, so they’ll be tomorrow’s tour guides’.  And he was a meticulous researcher – he was the one who found out that “St. Patrick’ was the countersign used in 1776 by the men in the Dorchester Heights fortifications, not the password.  I used his book on Castle Island just today.”

Please believe all that just scratches the surface of “Doc’s” life and his achievements.  So, let’s get to what’s happening in regard to his memorial day on Sunday, July 13.  It starts at 11 a.m. inside a tent that’ll be put up at the Sugar Bowl by the DCR.  State Sen. Jack Hart has agreed to emcee the occasion.  Fr. Casey, Pastor of St. Brigid, will deliver the Invocation.  There’ll be reflections, prayers, and tributes to “Doc”.  A memorial bench engraved with his name will be dedicated.  Contributions to defray the cost of this are still needed – mail them to the Fitzgerald Post at 715 East Fourth.  Thanks in advance.

It’s early on, but already, many have stepped up to lend a hand.  Tom Butler of MassPort has been his usual helpful self.  Carl Pastore, John Ciccone, and other members of the DCR are all cooperating in fine style.  State and City Police forces are on board. 

The officers of the Fitzgerald Post and members of the World War II Memorial Committee are spearheading “Doc’s” memorial celebration.  Other volunteers on their committee include Pattie McCormick, Bill Spain, Paul Christian, Janice McCarthy, and Nick Collins.  Many others will join in.

And it will be celebration of “Doc’s” life.  The dedication will be solemn, of course, but Curragh’s Fancy will provide music afterwards.  Janice McCarthy of “Going My Way” will provide an al fresco lunch for everyone who comes to honor “Doc”.  And the weather will be warm, fair with an occasional white cloud, and a light sea breeze.

You heard that here.  See you there!  (Sunday, July 13, at 11 a.m., by the Sugar Bowl).