Bill Halleran, a North Merrick resident passed away last weekend.

Halleran was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which initiated our involvement in World War II. He was aboard the cruiser Phoenix the morning of Dec. 7, 1941 and had a clear view of the sinking of the battleship Arizona.

Last year, I had the honor of meeting Halleran as he was an invited guest at one of our board of education meetings. As part of my Superintendent's Challenge, his granddaughter, a Camp Avenue student, had interviewed her grandfather to find out about the attack on Pearl Harbor.

It was truly a privilege to meet a genuine hero from what Tom Brokaw has referred to as the "Greatest Generation."

To honor Halleran, our flags were flown at half-staff. In addition, we observed a moment of silence at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting.

It should be noted that Halleran passed away within days of the 70th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack.

On behalf of the North Merrick board of education and staff, I offer my sincere condolences to Halleran's family and deep appreciation for his heroic service to our nation. May he rest in peace.

Sincerely,

David Feller

Superintendent of Schools

North Merrick