The Hometown Heroes of Center Moriches are once again proudly displayed along Main Street, just in time for Memorial Day. The veteran banners have returned thanks to the efforts of three dedicated high schoolers and the community's ongoing support.
Last year, Center Moriches students Addison Raupp, Kristin Luna, and Adrianna Loesch raised over $4,000 to launch the project through the Hometown Heroes Program. Their work resulted in 52 banners, each featuring a local veteran and a description of their service, spanning from World War II to the present day.
Scouts from Troop 414 volunteered to reinstall the banners this year, with the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches continuing to pledge support for maintaining them through Veterans Day in November. “Thank you to everyone who helped out; the banners look great,” said Chamber President Jackie Osbourne, who urged residents wanting to sponsor new veteran banners to contact her soon, since there is limited space. She’s at moricheschamber.org.
A deeply patriotic community, Center Moriches has hosted a Memorial Day Parade for decades and is home to many veterans. Monuments in front of Clayton Huey Elementary School and at VFW Post 414 in the center of town pay tribute to those who served, including the many who made the ultimate sacrifice. The parade ends with a service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery that features wreath presentations at a special war memorial.
Among the banners are four generations of military service from a single family: Great Grandfather Americo Eaderesto (Army), Grandfather Joe Magg, Sr. (Army), father Joe Magg, Jr. (Air Force), and his son Anthony Magg (Air Force). Americo, the founder of Rico’s Clothing on Railroad Avenue, earned a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in World War II. His son Alex also served and will be honored on a future banner, according to his brother, Anthony. The Magg Family and the law office of Annette Eaderesto sponsored the family’s tribute.
Another features Tyler James Puglisi who died in a motorcycle accident near his Naval base in South Carolina at age 21. The Navy Mine Man’s family awards a scholarship in his name each year at Center Moriches High School.
“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, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce. “These banners really make our main business district stand out by paying homage to our many local heroes,” she added, noting that hanging plants provided by Kurt Weiss Greenhouses also adorn the light poles.
President Osborne singled out Rich Raupp, Addison’s dad, for his help in coordinating the effort. “A huge thank you to Rich, along with Addison, Kristin, and Adrianna, for initiating the Hometown Heroes project. It’s such a heartfelt tribute in honor of our veterans,” Osborne said. “Their dedication to recognizing and celebrating their sacrifices is truly commendable.”