The Hometown Heroes of Center Moriches are proudly on display along Main Street, thanks to the efforts of three eighth graders and the support of the community.
Middle School students Addison Raupp, Kristin Luna, and Adrianna Loesch raised over $4,000 for the banners, which feature photos of the veterans and a description of their service. Working through the Hometown Heroes Program, the students put together 52 banners spanning from World War ll to the present day.
Scouts from Troop 23 volunteered to put up the banners, with the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches pledging to help maintain them through Veterans Day in November. Center Moriches is a patriotic place with an annual Memorial Day Parade going back decades, and many of its residents have stepped up to serve. In front of the Clayton Huey Elementary School stands a monument to those in World War I and II, an asterisk marking those who didn’t make it home. Memorials are also featured at VFW Post 414 in the center of town.
The banners feature four generations of heroes from a single family, starting with great-grandfather Americo Eaderesto (Army), grandfather Joe Magg, Sr. (Army), dad Joe Magg, Jr. (Air Force), and his son Anthony Magg (Air Force). Founder of Rico’s Clothing, a popular haberdashery on Railroad Avenue for the last 70 years, Americo’s banner features a Purple Heart, indicating he was wounded in action during World War ll. His son, Alex, also served and will be recognized on a future banner, his brother, Anthony, said. The posters were sponsored by the Magg Family and the law office of Annette Eaderesto.
“It’s wonderful to have so much community spirit among our young people and to see their interest in our many veterans,” said Gerry Sapanaro, chamber treasurer. “These banners really make our main business district stand out by paying homage to our local heroes,” she said, noting that the light poles also feature hanging plants provided by Kurt Weiss Greenhouses.
“Thanks go out to Rich Raupp, Addison’s father, for his exceptional direction and unwavering commitment in steering this project to its successful completion,” the Chamber posted. “A huge thank you to Addison, Kristin, and Adrianna for initiating the Hometown Heroes project, a heartfelt tribute honoring our veterans. Your dedication to recognizing and celebrating their sacrifices is truly commendable.”