At the Military History Museum in Rocky Point, visitors find more than artifacts — they find names. Hundreds of them, etched in black granite, make up the museum’s growing Armed Forces Remembrance Wall, a project curated by Rich Acritelli, a local history teacher, veteran, and museum director.
“We started the wall two years ago, and it’s already grown to about 500 names,” Acritelli said. “Anyone who’s ever raised their hand and taken the oath — active duty, reservist, or guard — can be on it. This wall represents every generation that’s worn the uniform.”
Each entry includes the veteran’s name, rank, branch, medals, and battles, covering service from the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War on Terror. Acritelli said six new granite panels were recently added — one recognizing donors and five reserved for future honorees. “It’s a sharp, red brick wall with black granite panels — it’ll be here forever,” he said.
The museum and wall are located across the street from VFW Post 6249, where Acritelli and past Commander Joe Cognitore have spent years collecting and preserving pieces of military history. Inside the museum, visitors can see Civil War swords, World War II uniforms, field radios, maps, and captured enemy insignias, all donated by local families.
Acritelli is also putting together a display of entertainment personalities who served in the armed forces, to go along with exhibits featuring sports figures — including local stars.
“We’re always looking for artifacts — weapons, helmets, photos, even letters. Everything tells a piece of the story, and those pieces together create our shared history.”
Plans are underway to expand the wall again in 2026. Veterans or families wishing to be included on the wall or make donations can email Rich Acritelli at richvack@yahoo.com. “Every name, every dollar, helps keep the stories of our service members alive,” he said.