Photo Courtesy of Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society
The Rev. Lawrence Lynch
By Forum Staff
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society are set to host a celebration next week that will honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Lawrence Lynch, an Irish-American priest from Woodhaven who comforted soldiers during World War II.
Ulrich sponsored legislation last year that called for renaming the triangle at Rockaway Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue after Lynch. The renaming ceremony is scheduled for next Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
According to the WCHS, Lynch often sought out the most dangerous battlegrounds to assuage the wounded and give dying soldiers their last rites, a Catholic ritual. On April 25, 1945, during the battle on Okinawa, Lynch was traveling with a soldier when a shell struck and killed him instantly. He was just 38 years old. More than 4,000 servicemen attended Mass at his graveside in Okinawa at the end of June, after victory had been secured.
“Everyone loved Rev. Lynch. After he was killed in the battle of Okinawa, thousands of soldiers showed up at his funeral. He sacrificed his life and touched the hearts of so many. He was a priest and a local guy. His death was tragic,” said WCHS President Ed Wendell. “Over time, people tend to forget important pieces of history, which is why this memorial triangle is so important. I am thrilled that his name will live on and glad that Councilman Ulrich saw the value in honoring Rev. Lynch’s important legacy.”
Neir’s Tavern, located at 87-48 78th St. in Woodhaven, will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in honor of Lynch immediately following the March 9 triangle renaming ceremony.
