On the eve of Independence Day, members of the Bethlehem Central Class of 1956 and local officials gathered at BC High School to dedicate a class gift to the school: a memorial recognizing students who have served in the armed forces.
The monument stands just outside the entrance of the school, adjacent to the flag pole. There, members of the class gathered on Friday, July 2, to celebrate the donation and recognize the sacrifices made by the nation’s soldiers past and present.
The idea for the memorial came during the class’s 50th reunion. Though it has taken a few years to come to fruition, it will now remain as a reminder to all who pass by it, said veteran and Vice President of the Class of 1956 Bill Guerrera.
What we are bringing to you today is our wish for eternity for the high school, he said. `This memorial…will serve as a beacon of inspiration to all who see it.`
Also speaking at the ceremony were President of the Class of 1956 Ruth McRobbie, Bethlehem Central School District Visual Art Supervisor Melanie Painter, Bethlehem Town Supervisor Sam Messina and Albany County Executive Michael Breslin.
Painter helped class members design and implement the memorial. The class has a great number of veterans, she said.
`It’s something they felt was really important…the stone reminds us of the sacrifices BC students have made for their country,` she said.“