Gilford School Memorial to Honor its Fallen Soldiers
-Sat 11/11 at 10:00AM at the memorial location* for the general public
* The memorial is along the gym wall facing the main parking lot
As Veteran’s Day approaches, planning is underway to erect a memorial to Gilford High School graduates who have died while serving their country. The Gilford School Board decided to move forward with this idea as a way to honor Pfc. Nicholas Cournoyer from Gilmanton, a soldier in the 10th Mountain Division who died in May while serving his country in Iraq. He is the son of Denis and Lenda Cournoyer of Gilmanton.
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Gilford School Board members Margo Weeks and Kurt Webber are working with representatives of the Gilford High School Student Council to create a memorial stone which will be placed on the GHS campus to honor all GHS graduates who have died while on active duty and to honor their families. Local artist and GHS student Meghan Beinoras is working on some graphic designs for the black granite stone that the District has already purchased. The Blue Star Mothers of NH, led by Karen Thurston have worked with the school district to coordinate and plan the ceremonies and program for both events.
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Any veteran who wishes to participate and sit in a special place of honor is invited and encourarged to attend so that they can share in the honor of this important National service they have performed.
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Donations to cover the cost of the memorial engraving and the site preparation would be appreciated. Any additional monies collected would be used to start a memorial scholarship fund in Nicholas’ name, administered through the Lakes Region Scholarship Fund. Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Gilford School District and sent to the SAU 73 office, 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford.
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If anyone knows of a Gilford High School Graduate who died while on Active Duty, please contact the School District office at 527.9215 as soon as possible so their name can be included on the memorial.
