Etched glass biographies of Grand Island servicemen killed in action are moving closer to completion thanks to the efforts of Island benefactors and student volunteers working out of the Grand Island High School technology wing. Thursday, members of the DeGlopper Memorial Expansion Committee, which is working to improve DeGlopper Park in the center of town, saw etched glass engravings honoring Islanders killed in action (listed below). Students Ruby Benz and Justin Chadima undertook the technology end of the work in the school's science, technology, engineering and mathematics wing, while the Grand Island High School English Department proofread the bios. The glass (the Richard Trotter engraving is pictured below) bios will be located in DeGlopper Park on metal stands.
Above, from left: Larry Bota of Bota Welding worked on and delivered the first metal stand; technology teacher Carl Koppmann, student Justin Chadima, Keith Wegrzyn of the DeGlopper Memorial Committee, Judy Snyder of the Grand Island American Legion Post, DeGlopper VFW Post Commander Dan McMahon, and Alan Lee of the DeGlopper VFW Post and member of the DeGlopper Memorial Committee board of directors.
To learn how donate to the memorial expansion, visit the VFW Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. (Photo by Larry Austin)
Veterans Parade Friday, Nov. 9
An indoor parade on Monday, Nov. 9, through the halls of Grand Island schools will honor U.S. veterans from the Grand Island community. Veterans from the Grand Island American Legion Post 1346 and Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9249 have been invited to walk in the parade. The parade route will begin in front of the Veronica E. Connor Middle School library, go through middle school classroom hallways, continue to the high school classroom hallways and conclude in the high school cafeteria with a breakfast prepared by district food service staff. A GIHS choral group will sing patriotic songs. Grand Island veterans are asked to register for the event by calling 716-773-8837 or 716-773-8844.
Parade Schedule
•7:45 a.m. Veterans, color guards, bagpiper and drummer assemble in the middle school library.
•8:15 to 9 a.m. Parade begins at the middle school library and makes a route through the middle school and high school ending in the high school cafeteria. Students at both buildings will be lining the hallways.
•9 to 10:30 a.m. Parade ends at the high school cafeteria for a breakfast, brief remarks and a patriotic choral performance.
Roll Call
In memory of those who gave their lives in defense of their country:
World War I
World War II
- Charles N. DeGlopper
- Eugene F. Dinsmore
- William D. Gillen
- Francis King Goodchild
- William L. Rhode
- Howard W. Salton
- Charles A. Smith
- George E. Smith
The Korean War
- George Kenny
- Albert Kepler
The Vietnam War
- Joseph A. L'Huillier
- Robert B. Luther
- Joseph Muench
- Philip C. Taylor
- Richard B. Trotter
The Gulf War
