Saint Ambrose Academy

Saint Ambrose Seminary was founded in 1882 by the Rev. John McMullen, D.D., the first bishop of Davenport.

In 1958, Saint Ambrose Academy and Immaculate Conception Academy merged and opened its new doors as Assumption High School, a co-institutional facility.

The Assumption High School Class of 1997, initiated the Veterans’ Memorial to honor and celebrate the patriotism of Saint Ambrose Academy, Immaculate Conception Academy, and Assumption High School graduates and former students who gave their lives in service to their country.

Assumption secured the talents of a well-known local masonry expert, James Grothus, Saint Ambrose Academy Class of 1947. Jim, now semi-retired, has lent his talents to masonry projects at Saint Mary’s, Saint Anthony’s, and Saint Alphonsus.

Attached to the three-faced brick monument are two engraved slabs of corian, listing the names of the graduates and former students who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There are currently 30 graduates and former students (25 from Saint Ambrose Academy and five from Assumption High School).

Leading to the memorial, is a brick path featuring engraved bricks that have been sponsored by (or in memory of) patriotic supporters of the Memorial. The entire path has concrete beneath it and the bricks are set in mortar to insure the lasting beauty of the Memorial. About fifty bricks were sponsored for this project between 1997 and 1998 when the concept of the Memorial was originally laid out. Anyone wishing to sponsor a brick for yourself or someone else may do so by completing a Memorial Donation Form and mail it to Assumption High School. For questions, contact the Assumption High School Development Office at 563-326-5313, extension 244 or e-mail Jennifer O’Neil at oneilj@mail.assumption.pvt.k12.ia.us. Proceeds will go toward the Sergeant Bradley S. Korthaus Memorial Scholarship.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: On 7 August 2004, Linda Duffy (President Assumption High School) informed me that the Veterans Memorial was vandalized last month. She stated that the Blessed Mother statue, which is the center piece of the Memorial, was broken. The statue (approximately 6 feet tall) was filled at the base with concrete, and right above that level (may 8 inches up) she was broken off. The school is now trying to determine to come up with some kind of a replacement.

UPDATE, 6 December 2004: Four months since the damage and no leads. The school is accepting donations to help pay for a new Blessed Mother statute. Donations maybe sent to Linda Duffy at Assumption High School; 1020 West Central Park Avenue; Davenport, Iowa 52804.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

We salute you, dear friends. Because of your sacrifice we enjoy the freedoms and promise America extends to all. We pledge enduring gratitude and honor to your self-sacrifice. The heroes of every war are not the generals or politicians. They are the extraordinary men and women, the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors, willing to risk their lives for the cause of freedom for all. The lives of our fallen American heroes who heeded the call of duty reflect the highest qualities God has put in man. Their lives teach us courage, endurance, patriotism, loyalty, true nobility and self-sacrifice. The Bible tells us that a man can possess no greater love than the willingness to lay down his life for his friends. We pay humble and grateful tribute to you for making the supreme sacrifice, obeying the call of your country, laying down your life. We bow our heads in reverence and respect of our fallen heroes.

The young men and boys we honor, will never again join their family around the Thanksgiving table. They will never open another Christmas present. Some never had a chance to pursue a career. Some never had a chance to get married, never got to know the joys of raising children. Those that were married and had children, will never get to know the joys of raising that child, teach them how to drive, attend their graduation or wedding. If he hadn't been lost to the war, he would probably be living here in the Quad Cities today enjoying the company of his family, friends, and children. Instead, long before his time, he fills a hero's grave. He, indeed, made the supreme sacrifice.

To the families, we extend our heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging we cannot measure the value of the freedoms secured by their supreme sacrifice. Their losses, however, will not be in vain, as our nation will emerge victorious in these wars and the world will be a better and safer place.

These young men and boys are looking down from Heaven, they are proud of us for honoring their memory with a commitment to the noblest of ideals. A commitment to uphold the highest virtues of humankind -- freedom, justice, and equality. A commitment to strengthening our national adherence to values nourished by their blood.

Let us remember them in our prayers -- today and every day. Comfort the loved ones they left behind. And, fly the United States Flag in their honor -- at home ... at work ... and throughout our neighborhoods!

Glynn R. Early: attended Saint Ambrose Academy from 1939 - 1941 and graduated from Davenport High School; Davenport, Iowa; Class of 1942

Henry C. Priester, Jr.: graduated from Lawrenceville High School; Lawrenceville, New Jersey; Class of 1939

This Remembrance Book allows families, friends and veterans to post a remembrance to those who lost their life or remain missing in action. I encourage you to post a remembrance for friends and loved ones whose names are on this page, to remember and honor each and every one of those who served their country with honor.

The Mansions of the Lord

Veterans' Memorial Donation Form

Donor's Name: ____________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________

City: ____________________ State: ____________ Zip: _________

Phone Number: (____) ________________________

e-Mail Address: ______________________________

I would like _______ bricks at $50.00 each = ___________

Name as it should appear on the brick(s):

__________________________________________________________

Checks payable to: Assumption Veterans' Memorial

Mail to: Assumption High School; 1020 West Central Park Avenue; Davenport, Iowa 52803

Bricks already in place in front of the Veterans' Memorial.