SOUTHWICK – Since the Veterans War Memorial was approved by the school committee on Oct. 4 to be located in the foyer of the Southwick Regional High School, individuals close to this project have been working on the display itself.
Troy Henke is seen with Southwick Regional High Principal Joseph Turmel at a past school committee meeting as they discussed the plans for the Veterans Memorial Foyer. (WNG File Photo)
A memorial dedicated to veterans who graduated from Southwick, Tolland, or Granville High School, and were killed in combat or in a hostile attack while serving their country, will have a plaques mounted on the wall as part of the memorial. The plaques will include an image of the veterans, their years of life, the year they graduated high school, and any service information. There will be three veterans that will be a part of the Veterans Memorial at this time and they are as follows:
- William Alamed Jr. (killed while fighting the Vietnam War)
- Steven Wentworth (killed in the Beirut bombings in 1983)
- Travis Fuller (killed in Iraq War in 2005)
Troy Henke, who is a member of Southwick VFW Post 872, has been spearheading this project and is now working on buying three plaques. The three plaques, and other costs for wall lettering and installation, totals $5,000 and Henke is looking to get as much money raised as possible to help pay for those expenses.
After finding out that the Southwick Civic Fund had been launched, Henke thought it was the right decision to join forces with the organization for this particular project.
“To have them helping us raise funds, it really takes on a very important and specific focus,” said Henke.
Southwick Selectboard member Joe Deedy is pleased to once again be part of assisting something that benefits honoring veterans.
“You never finish these honoring men and women,” said Deedy. “We’re excited to continue our efforts.”
The VFW and the Southwick Civic Fund will be hosting fundraising events in the near future, including a pancake breakfast and spaghetti supper to raise funds. Donations from residents will also be accepted in by check made payable to VFW Post 872. In the memo section of the check, write Veteran’s Memorial project. Once it is received, a receipt will be sent back to the donating party since the donations are tax deductible.
According to Henke, a dedication ceremony for the new Veteran’s Memorial foyer will take place on May 21, 2018 at 9 a.m. at the Southwick Regional High School gymnasium. More details on that event will be announced once we get closer to the date.
