FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2018
Contact: John Lyon 845-638-5645

New City, NY - County Executive Ed Day took part in the dedication of the Rockland County Gulf War/War on Terror Monument on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 12:00 PM in the afternoon at Haverstraw Bay County Park. The Monument is in honor of all those who served in the Gulf War and the War on Terror, and for those Rockland County residents that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

"This monument is a testament to our commitment to our veterans. Rockland County will be there for you. We will give you space to reflect. We will stand by you in your time of need. We will not ever forget the sacrifices each and every one of you have made for our safety and our freedom," said County Executive Day. "It is our solemn pledge that we will support those still serving overseas when they return home as well."

Highlights of the ceremony included: a flyover over by two helicopters from the New York State Police and Rockland County; remarks from Gold Star parent Yolanda Lopez, mother of Cpl. Manny Lopez who was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2005; keynote address by Lieutenant General Dennis J. Hejlik, USMC (Ret.); recognition of the design committee; 21 Gun Salute provided by the Rockland County Marine Corps League; a musical selection by the Rockland County Emerald Society and the opening of the Monument to the public.

Gold Star families in attendance were given time before the ceremony began to view the Monument and see their family members names engraved on the granite walls. County Executive Day said, "the purpose of this monument is not just to pay tribute to those who served and gave their lives. It is for their families; for their friends; for those who watched over them; for everyone touched by the Gulf War and the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our hope is that this monument can help bring closure for those of us who have lost friends and family. It was built to bring a sense of peace to those who served and may still be battling the demons they first encountered overseas."

The Gulf War/War on Terror Monument was designed by a group of Veterans from each of these conflicts. The land where this Monument has been built was purposely designated by Rockland County so that it overlooks the 9/11 Memorial that is forever tied to all of these struggles.

The Monument itself is comprised of several sections:

• Five concrete barriers known as T-Walls. T-Walls have been used in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect service members from indirect and direct fire. Mounted on these walls are granite plaques with the eight names of those service members who lost their lives in support of combat operations throughout the conflict areas.
• The back wall shows a timeline of the conflicts carved in granite. The center of this wall is a Gold Star that represents all of the families who have lost loved ones during this period.
• In front of the Gold Star is a rifle facing downward with a helmet on top and combat boots at its base. This is the symbol all service members know as a memorial to a lost comrade in battle.
• To the side of the wall is a statue of Megan Leavey, CPL (Ret.), USMC, and her military working dog Rex. This statue is purposely set back on overwatch of this sacred ground.
• The ground around the monument and between the walls is the color of desert sand. The T-walls are set with wider bases so that visitors to the site can sit and pay tribute to those who served.

It is the hope of the committee who designed this Monument that this place will become a site for those who have served to come and reflect on their service, remember those they lost and find some closure to the horrors of war.

Eight names are currently listed on the Monument. SN Gilbert A. Fontaine and SSG Tatiana Dees who gave their lives in Desert Storm. CPL Manuel Lopez III, CPT Phillip Esposito, CPL Steve Vahaviolos and CPL Justin Rivero Garcia who gave their lives in Iraq. SGT Edward Bolen and MAJ Thomas E. Kennedy who gave their lives in Afghanistan.

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