Keeping History Alive

In May 2008, Hampton Bays American Legion Hand Aldrich Post 924 dedicated a memorial to the hamlet’s veterans, engraving the curved, black granite wall with the names of those who served in wars from the Revolutionary War to World War II. The entire community passes that memorial and is reminded of the sacrifices they made.

It’s noteworthy, though, that the memorial is visible to students at the Hampton Bays Middle School a short distance away. As they go to and from school, it’s not a stretch to think that the striking monument has sparked an interest in just who these veterans were, and what circumstances sent them to war.

George Washington knew that the act of honoring and remembering veterans and their sacrifice was important for many reasons, but one was that patriotism is necessary for a country to be successful. “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified,” the father of our country said, “shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

There are now 490 names on the wall from World War II, thanks to the work of Legion members, with those who died in the line of duty honored with a gold star. The Legion is hoping now to continue the project, adding those who served in both Korea and Vietnam, and its members are raising money for that purpose.

It’s a project the entire community should support. So much is at stake, and it’s not just about keeping the memories of those veterans alive, carved into granite. It’s important “because people can’t forget,” as David Agtsteribbe, of the Legion, put it.

That’s a danger. The world remains a violent, dangerous place. But the direct memories of world wars are fading fast. Young people have a very different notion of war and service and love of country. It’s important, and instructive, to keep alive in memory the stories of men and women who fought in earlier wars, if only to honor them and to inspire new generations who have the same willingness to show patriotism not just in words but in actions.

History is a living thing, as long as people today take the time and effort to keep it alive. This project, to expand the memorial, is not just the Hampton Bays American Legion’s responsibility: It’s everyone’s.

To learn how to support the project, email info@hbamericanlegion.com.