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"More than 60 years have passed since 34 East High School students lost their lives in World War II, but a whole new generation of students is remembering the sacrifices made by the legendary Gold Star Boys. East’s second annual ceremony honoring its Gold Star Boys will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in front of the landmark school. United Way Executive Director Paul Logli will speak about 'the spirit of giving,' and East High Assistant Principal Larry Goodrich, who is an Iraq War Veteran, will reminisce about his feelings as a young soldier going off to war. Flag ceremonies will be jointly handled by the Rockford detachment of the Marine Corps League and East students. East’s choir will sing patriotic songs, and refreshments will be served in the library. The observance also serves as the official kickoff for the second annual arts and essay contest asking students to address, in words, art or poetry, 'What do the sacrifices of the Gold Star Boys mean to you, to East High and the country?' Judging of the students’ entries will occur in January 2010. Dustin Long, a science teacher and adviser to the Key Club who chairs the Gold Star Boys committee, said it is important for the students to remember their history—locally and nationally. 'These were people just like them. They have shared the same lockers, classrooms and sports fields,' Long said. 'They made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and it is important to see the impact a war has on people’s lives.' The contest is sponsored by alumni, faculty and other volunteers who formed the East High School Veterans Memorial Committee to raise $75,000 to build indoor and outdoor memorials to the Gold Star Boys and to all East alumni who have served their country. Recently, the committee announced they had received a $10,000 matching grant from the Pritzker Military Library Tawani Foundation. The money will be paid upon receipt of proof of additional donations totaling $10,000. Other grants continue to be written to secure funding for the memorial. Plans unveiled by the committee in November 2008 call for an interactive display in the school’s lobby and an outdoor peace garden. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to the East High School Veterans Memorial Fund at AMCORE Bank, 1480 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61108." |
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Gold Star Boys ‘will not be forgotten’
November 11, 2009
Veterans, community members and East High School students gathered around the school’s American flag on the front lawn Tuesday to remember the sacrifice that the 34 Gold Star Boys of East High made for their country." This article, written by Cathy Bayer for the Rockford Register Star, gives highlights of the second annual ceremony held at Rockford East High School to honor the memory of the 34 Gold Star Boys who sacrificed their lives in World War II. |
The following links will take you to the Rockford Register Star's November 2007 articles about the Gold Star Boys:
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Rockford East High School hosted a Memorial Observance and Media Event on Monday, November 10, 2008. At this time, the East High School Veterans Memorial Committee announced plans to create a lasting tribute to East’s 34 Gold Star Boys, as well as the other East veterans who have served our country in the armed forces.
The November 10th event began with retirement of the flag, taps, and a 21-gun salute. Major General John Borling (Ret.), of the United States Air Force, spoke about the service and ultimate sacrifice of East’s young men in World War II and will reflect upon his own wartime experiences. All military branches were represented at this event. Superintendent Hernandez extended a welcome to all and a proclamation from Mayor Larry Morrissey was read. East’s Band and Chorus offered musical selections and other students from various service groups participated.
Rockford East High graduates may recall the Memorial Garden that was created after World War II and dedicated to the 34 Gold Star Boys from East who died in the conflict. These Gold Star Boys were highlighted in the Rockford Register Star’s November 11, 2007, edition. One facet of the article highlighted the eulogies written by the first principal of East High School, Mr. Harry C. Muth. Long kept in a file folder, these special comments about the young men served to illustrate the commitment and many sacrifices that the young people of Rockford East High have given in service to our country.
This event highlighted the efforts of the East High Veterans Memorial Committee to restore the memorial established in 1948 to honor the 34 East High School graduates – soldiers, sailors, and airmen – who lost their lives in World War II. The project has two phases: the first would incorporate two interactive displays within East’s foyer, dedicated to the Gold Star Boys; the second would establish a peace memorial within East’s arboretum to honor all East veterans who have served in all wars.
Business and community volunteers, veterans groups, Rockford East high school students, teachers, former teachers, administrators, and alumni have been active in planning and implementing the restoration and expansion of the 1948 Gold Star Boys Memorial within the school and also the development of the outdoor memorial to all who have given military service to our country. Curriculum connections are an integral component of this endeavor.
The Committee hopes that today’s students will truly understand and honor the sacrifice, so long forgotten, of these 34 young men who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.
Thank you very much for your interest in this project. For additional information, please contact Kathy Cassioppi, 815.966.8918 or CassioK@rps205.com.
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Superintendent Hernandez's Monthly Column in the Rockford Register Star
November 16, 2008
Donations may be sent to the East High School Veterans Memorial Fund at AMCORE Bank, 1480 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61108.
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