CHS Veterans Memorial Honors Former Students

More than 50 people gathered in the front circle of Carmel High School on Monday morning for the dedication of a new veterans' memorial. 

The monument, two years in the making, recognizes 15 former Carmel students who lost their lives while serving their country during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Families, friends, school officials and community members attended the ceremony. 
"It is entirely fitting that this monument stands here, on the grounds of Carmel High School," said Board of Education Vice President John C. Curzio II. "Before these brave men were soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, they were Carmel students. They walked these same hallways, sat in the same classrooms our students sit in today, and looked out these same windows with big dreams for their futures." 

Curzio reflected on their sacrifices. 

"When they left this campus, duty called them to places far from home. They traded Carmel's school colors for our nation's uniform, and they gave up all of their tomorrows so that we could have our todays," he said. 
Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin brought the students' stories to life, sharing details about their accomplishments and experiences as students in the Carmel schools. 

He remembered them as "standout competitors who wore our school colors with pride" and "brilliant minds and dedicated individuals who shaped our school's culture." Some, he noted, were musicians, workers and ambitious young dreamers. All were "brave young souls from every corner of our broader community." 
Ralph Osterhoudt, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, came to the ceremony to honor the soldiers. For many attending the dedication, it was deeply personal. 

Glenn Starr traveled from his home in Pleasant Valley to honor his father, Edward I. Starr, a U.S. Army captain who was killed in Vietnam. A Patterson resident and Carmel graduate, Captain Starr went on to excel at Virginia Tech, where he became an accomplished leader. He later earned a reputation as an "All-American" leader and steadfast role model among his peers at Officer Candidate School. 

Glenn Starr said he was grateful that his father's sacrifice would be remembered at the school he once attended. 

"I am very lucky that my dad has been remembered like this," he said. "It means a lot." 
Charles Cole, 87, attended with family members to honor his friend, Lieutenant Colonel Harry R. Lagerwall. 

Lagerwall worked at Nichols Hardware to save money for college before attending Syracuse University, where he joined the Air Force ROTC. His remains were not recovered until 1985. 

"I went to that ceremony, too, when he was buried in Arlington Cemetery," Cole said. 
Carmel's ceremony also featured musical tributes. Student musicians played taps and performed "The Star-Spangled Banner," while Board of Education Trustee Michael Torpey, who trained as an opera singer, delivered a rendition of "God Save America." 
The monument project began more than two years ago, when Curzio spearheaded the effort with fellow board members to recognize the fallen students. Community fundraising and support made the project possible. 

"From this moment forward, as long as this school stands, no student or community member passing by this front circle will ever forget the depth of that sacrifice," Curzio said. "May this monument serve as a daily, living reminder to every person who walks through the front doors of Carmel High School: that freedom is never free, and that some of the greatest heroes our nation has ever known once called this school home."