Right in the front of Valley Central High School sits a memorial dedicated to six Valley Central graduates who lost their lives in Vietnam. Recently, it was announced that this memorial would be moved during the current construction happening at the school district.

Originally put up on May 29, 1989 on behalf of Valley Central student government, the memorial has long been cared for, even being a part of an Eagle Scout’s project over the years. Because of the temporary relocation, local American Legion groups, local VFWs, relatives and more gathered for an intimate ceremony around the memorial.

Of those present was Town of Montgomery Supervisor Ron Feller, who led the ceremony.

“I thank everybody for coming out on short notice, and [I give] my condolences and my love for the people associated with each family, for the VFW and for the American Legion. I really do appreciate it,” said Feller.

The six fallen soldiers on the memorial are Thomas Edward Adams, 25; Gary Bruce Baker, 23; Robert Francis Berger; Jimmie Van Bock, 18; Steven Matarazzo, 18; and Robert French Starbuck, 26, which were read by Valley Central Superintendent Evette Avila.

Donald Berger, a Montgomery resident and brother to the late Robert Berger, was then called up to present an American flag. This flag was originally presented to Berger’s mother at Robert Berger’s funeral by the United States Army.

Feller explained that they would lower the existing flag and replace it with the one Don Berger had brought.

“We will lower the existing flag, take the existing flag, fold it up and keep it. We will insert the flag that Robert Berger was given for giving his life to this country,” said Feller.

The newly inserted flag was raised to full mast, then while Taps was played, it was lowered to half mast, which it will stay at indefinitely.

Valley Central Senior and recent graduate Alix O’Connor sang the National Anthem and God Bless America, and there was both an opening and closing prayer.

Feller announced that there would be a rededication once construction was over, in the next several months.