For the first time, Military Tribute Banners for the Village of Ardsley’s 14 Fallen World War II sons, are on display throughout November to celebrate Veterans Month. The moving tribute will provide the community an opportunity to see what the young men looked like more than 80 years ago attired in the military uniforms they wore in the epic battles they fought and lost their lives defending freedom during World War II. Their names are engraved in Ardsley’s Wall of Honor in Pascone Park but the Ardsley community until now has only officially honored their sacrifices during Memorial Day ceremonies. They all graduated from Ardsley High School.
When Ardsley launched its Military Tribute Banners initiative a year ago, because no surviving family members and friends of the 14 young men could be located, it was not possible to represent this special Greatest Generation group.
But, thanks to the generosity of the Ardsley American Legion Post 458 and Ardsley Fire Engine #1 which each sponsored six banners and a local businessman, Maurice Hyacinthe, who sponsored two banners, all 14 are not only among the 105 in this year’s expanded display (last year there were 59) but they are grouped together consecutively on street poles lining a major road in the village which also boasts a sidewalk.
Sharon Colabello is the lead organizer of Ardsley’s Military Tribute Banners program, which began a year ago, Colabello was inspired to lead the Ardsley initiative because of the deep pride she and her family have for her late father Marty Engleman, a decorated World War II veteran. His banner was among Ardsley’s inaugural group of banners.
12 of the 14 banners run consecutively between Heatherdell at Crestview to Heatherdell and Jordan Lane. The two other banners are on display at Heatherdell near Revolutionary Road.
