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Rockford East High School Veterans Memorial
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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The following links will take you to the Rockford Register Star's November 2007 articles about the Gold Star Boys:
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