Hatboro-Horsham to Dedicate Veterans Monument on May 15, 2015

HORSHAM---On May 15, 2015, the Hatboro-Horsham School District will dedicate the soon-to-be-installed Veterans Monument. The monument - funded entirely by donations – will grace the front entrance to Hatboro-Horsham High School and become a tribute to local residents who answered the call to serve their country and sacrificed to defend our nation’s freedoms. The dedication will commence with a parade through the high school’s campus. Veterans are invited to participate and march in uniform. A concert featuring the District’s students performing patriotic songs will follow. The dedication will conclude with official remarks from local dignitaries and political leaders.

The idea for a Hatboro-Horsham Veterans Monument was proposed by Bill Naydan, Director of Choral Activities. While travelling in Europe with the American Music Abroad program, Naydan visited numerous memorials that were dedicated to American soldiers. He was moved by the monuments and the respect and gratitude shown to U.S. military personnel by foreign governments. He was also inspired to create a local tribute to veterans. Thus, the plan for the memorial began to take shape.

The school district and the community rallied to help support the creation of the monument and raised $17,000 through an array of fundraising events.

The monument features three granite pillars. Two pillars are engraved with the logo of the five branches of the military, as well as a logo recognizing those who have been listed as POW/MIA.

The center pillar contains the quote, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid,” by President Harry S. Truman.

“Our nation has maintained its freedoms through the efforts of generations of men and women who have served in the military. We all have a relative, friend or neighbor who has played a part in keeping America safe and free. I encourage the community to join us as we pay homage to our local heroes who have answered the call to service,” said Naydan.

Community members can show their support and gratitude by attending the Hatboro-Horsham Veterans Monument dedication on Friday, May 15, 2015.

The dedication will begin at 6:00 P.M and will run until 7:00 P.M. at Hatboro-Horsham High School, 899 Horsham Road, Hatboro, PA. The event will be held rain or shine.

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