Gold Star Boys fund drive launches with military brass, 21-gun salute
NOVEMBER 5, 2008 – Retired United States Air Force Major General John Borling will launch a $75,000 fundraising campaign to build memorials to 34 Gold Star Boys during a special pre-Veteran’s Day observance at East High School.
The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday, November 10, with the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute on the school’s front lawn on Charles Street. Major Borling will reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by the 34 former E-Rabs who lost their lives in World War II, and members of a citizens committee will unveil plans for permanent indoor and outdoor tributes. East’s band and chorus also will perform during a reception in the school library.
Alumni, faculty, students, business leaders and others formed the East High School Veterans Memorial Committee after reading a November 7, 2007, article in the Rockford Register Star about the discovery of a collection of Gold Star eulogies written by East’s first principal, Harry C. Muth. The newspaper story also recalled a Memorial Garden established in 1948 to honor the fallen East graduates, a garden which no longer exists.
Plans developed by the committee call for a $50,000 interactive display in the landmark school’s marble lobby and a $25,000 peace memorial in the school’s arboretum. The lobby display will be dedicated to the Gold Star Boys, while the garden will honor East veterans who served in all wars. Donations may be sent to the East High School Veterans Memorial Fund at AMCORE Bank, 480 South Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61108.
“I commend all of the volunteers who are working to provide a lasting honor that will teach students today and for years to come about these 34 brave young men who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms,” Superintendent of Schools Linda Hernandez said. |
