Homewood held a dedication ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in the 18100 block of Harwood Avenue on May 11 to mark the display of 27 new banners honoring local people for their military service.
John Beele, a Marine veteran and commander of the Wally Burns VFW Post, served as announcer. He introduced the event’s special guest, Army Capt. John Acosta, who thanked the veterans and their families for their service and support.
“You guys represent that continuity of service that kept this nation standing for the past 250 years,” he said. “If you look at these banners, you see the names, but behind every name is is a legacy. We’re here to celebrate that legacy.”
Following Acosta, Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld offered the dedication.
“These banners are visible reminders of the sacrifice, patriotism that lives here in Homewood,” he said. “Behind every name is a story of dedication and service. We are proud to recognize these individuals and the families who supported them. These banners serve as a daily reminder of the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.”
Hofeld then read the names of the veterans represented on the banners, including Allen Leppellere, Leonard Donaire, Robert J. McGrath Sr., James M. McGrath, Kaitlyn Schultz, Howard Krueger, Anthony Manos, Albert Peter Fidanza.
Quintavious Dewberry, Melvin Mathias, Steve Desmond, Daniel Taylor, James J. Foster Jr., George Martin, Lashonda Tart, John M. Beele, Sherman J. Teeling, Stephen Roman, DeJuan C. Turner, Jack E. Levitt.
Gary Riley, Jay Bush, Samuel Briones, Jesse Farley, Genuvino V. DiMayo, Mark G. DiMayo Sr. and Mark G. DiMayo Jr.
The village provided maps showing the location of each banner to each of several dozen people attending the ceremony.
