Display honoring General Edward D. Sirois at City Hall

Display honoring General Edward D. Sirois at City Hall

 

By Marc Laplante

Lawrence has an amazingly rich history for a young city. There is a boxing term that describes when a lighter boxer performs better than expected against a heavier opponent – they are “punching above one’s weight.” Lawrence’s history is much richer than should be expected for its age, and it certainly punches above its weight. General Edward D. Sirois is one of many notable Lawrence residents who led a distinguished life and made a sizable contribution of service and sacrifice.

Just outside of the City Council Chamber is a display case that typically features Lawrence-related artifacts from the Civil War era. The current display is different since it contains items and information about Sirois, a Lawrence (Tower Hill) resident who served in World War 1 and World War 2. The collection contains his sword, WW1 uniform, medals, his books, several photos, and other memorabilia.

The rotating display is sponsored by the Lawrence Civil War Memorial Guard (LCWMG) and the Sirois collection is owned by LCWMG member Joseph G. Bella. Recently, several city councilors examined the Sirois collection and learned his story. My thanks to Joe Bella, Elizabeth Charlton, and Dan Gagnon for making the collection available to the public and to the city council.

When trouble was brewing on the Mexico border in 1915, Sirois was there. In fact, he was “there” for many important events and lived a full life of service. Sirois was primarily known for his time in the Army and assisting veterans, but that was just a part of his story.

His “adult” life began at 17 years old. As a senior at Lawrence High School, he became a member of the Massachusetts National Guard, Lawrence Battery C, Field Artillery Company. After graduation, he was dispatched to the Mexican border. Returning to Lawrence, his unit was soon mobilized for the Great War in 1917, and the military’s reorganization placed his unit in the 26th “Yankee” Division.

He started his time in France as an enlisted man, but because of his leadership qualities and potential, he was chosen to attend the Officers Training School in France and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. However, there was a glitch. Officers had to be 21 years old and Sirois was just 19.  So, Congress enacted special legislation to allow him to serve at his young age, and he saw plenty of action at his rank through the rest of the war.

When Sirois returned home in 1919, he co-authored a book about his unit’s experiences entitled “Smashing Through ‘The World War’ with Fighting Battery C.” In between wars, he remained with the Massachusetts National Guard, advancing in rank to lieutenant colonel and commanding the 211th Field Artillery Battalion by October 1940. But these years were more than just serving in the Guard. He was the Lawrence Veterans’ Service Clerk for two years, thrice elected as a state representative for Lawrence (1934-1940), worked for the U.S. Veterans’ Bureau, and took over his father’s business as president of the Winter Garden Flower Shop and Greenhouses.

During WW2, Sirois initially commanded the Anti-Tank Battalion, and his career would take him to China and Burma as an Intelligence Officer. Here he was the U.S. lead with the Chinese Combat Service and Training Command. He participated in three major battles in China-Burma, was promoted to full colonel of Field Artillery, and twice received China’s Nationalist Medal for his achievements.

When the war ended, Sirois’ continued serving in the Guard and was directly responsible for its reorganization. He achieved the rank of major general. His post-war interests also lead him to serve three terms as the president of the National Guard Association, Republican politics as the state chairman of the party, a delegate/supporter of General Dwight Eisenhower’s successful bid for the US presidency, and involvement in numerous other civic and business organizations. He died in 1968 at the age of 69.

Representative Estela Reyes, Councilor Ana Levy, and Councilor Stephany Infante joined me in examining the collection.

Representative Reyes remarked that she is now following in Sirois’ footsteps at the State House in Boston. “When I learned that he was a state representative for Lawrence, it made me appreciate his story even more. He lived an incredible life of service as a military officer and political leader,” said the State Representative. “I appreciate the LCWMG sharing his items – we are better knowing his story and his deep connection to Lawrence.”

Councilor Levy believed Sirois’ narrative can be instructive to Lawrence’s youth. “These memorabilia should be displayed in our schools. Our children need to learn about this man who fought in two wars to keep our country free and a great place to live,” said the veteran city councilor. “His sword was a great weapon to touch. His name and the year (1925) were inscribed on the blade.”

Councilor Infante commented on the specialness of the experience. “It’s always fascinating to learn the stories of our Lawrencians. Learning about Lawrence’s people and its history is something I believe we should do more of,” said the District E Councilor. “It was pretty cool to hold General Sirois’ sword and touch his actual World War I uniform. It was a unique experience that I was honored to be part of.”

 

Marc Laplante is the Lawrence City Council President. He is working on a book that features the stories of Lawrence residents who have received official tributes. Much of this article is from his upcoming book. The Sirois Bridge is located on Route 93 over the Merrimack River.