Lindenhurst’s Wall of Heroes Unveiled

During the Jan. 18 Lindenhurst School Board of Education Community Forum, the board permanently recognized the first of many members of the Lindenhurst alumni community who served in the military.

The Wall of Heroes was the brainstorm of former Lindenhurst High School student, Lisa Marie Masching. At the time, she observed that among the permanent commemorative honors that donned the walls of the high school, there was an absence of plaques commemorating the district’s students who made the decision to serve their country.

Her mother, Deborah Masching, and board of education trustee Robert Vitiello, a U.S. Army veteran, led the initiative to establish a plaque. Lisa Marie was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she served as military police with the Army National Guard. To be considered for inclusion on the plaque, alumni were asked to complete the application located on the district website at www.lindenhurstschools.org and provide either proof of graduation from Lindenhurst or proof of service in the form of a DD214.

The plaque was unveiled in the company of some of the heroes listed and proud family members. Also in attendance were local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, local politicians, including Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey as well as district administrators, teachers and staff and members of the Lindenhurst community who wanted to show their support and gratitude.

The names on the unveiled plaque represent the first group of eligible registrants, however, this is an ongoing campaign. Those interested in having their names included should follow the same procedure outlined above. Please note that when submitting any information that may include personal details such as social security information, it is the responsibility of the veteran to conceal that information.

“The names of these brave men and women will be revered in our school forever,” said Superintendent of Schools Daniel E. Giordano. “They deserve this recognition and so much more.”