WWI MEMORIAL BOOKLET ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Provided by: Raymond E. Keefe

The World War I Committee was formed 24 August 2001 for the purpose of erecting a Memorial to the World War I veterans from Auburn and Cayuga County, NY.

The Committee worked for approximately two years. It was dissolved on Memorial Day, 26 May 2003, the day the Memorial was dedicated. It took the determined effort and dedication of several people and organizations to fulfill the goal of the committee which was-after the passage of 86 years since the end of World War I-to recognize the sacrifice of the 135 men who gave their lives for freedom.

Raising $25,000.00 for the Memorial was no small task. It was greatly aided by the generous donations from the following sources:

Fred L. Emerson Foundation
Cayuga County Veterans Trust Fund (comprised of individual donors)
The Stanley W. Metcalf Foundation Inc.
The Columbian Foundation
Samuel & Bertha Schwartz Foundation Inc.
Mr. Richard Mather
The Swietonowski-Kopeczek American Legion Post #1324
The Clifford E. Gailbraith Memorial VFW Post #7127

In addition, 106 gifts came from individuals, companies and businesses, ranging from $10 to $350. Pride can be taken in the fact that no state or federal funds were used. No one, committee member or otherwise received compensation of any kind, nor did they receive reimbursement for any personal expenses.

Special thanks are due to the many government officials and volunteers who made this a successful undertaking. They are: Ralph Standbrook, Raymond Lockwood, David Walrath, and Dale Parker of the Cayuga County Legislature; City of Auburn Mayor Melina Carnicelli and Superintendent of Public Works Jerry DelFavero and his staff.

Greg Sears who undertook the responsibility for the production of the Memorial Booklet and finding the World War I airplane and tank images used on the Memorial. Patricia Valenti for her idea to use the image of a doughboy on the Memorial. Eagle scout Johnathan Wilson of Weedsport for his fundraising efforts. To the Mary Gilmore and the staff of Seymour Library, Ruth Probst, Town of Aurelius Historian, and Ormie King for assistance in obtaining photographs. Georgianna Tracy, Sue Null, and Michael Curtis for proofreading. The Italian American Club of Auburn and Cayuga County for sponsoring a spaghetti dinner for the purpose of donating the proceeds to the World War I Memorial.

The Honor Guard from the 1st Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, South Street, Auburn, New York: Staff Sergeant Steinbacher, Corporal Walter, Specialists Cartwright and Carmody. Terry Lee, President Mid-Lakes Monuments, for his extraordinary efforts during the design phase of the memorial and his personal support to ensure the success of the project. The Color Guard comprising of the Swietonowski-Kopeczek American Legion Post #1324, Fleming VFW Post #11071, Mary Williams, Department Vice President, American Legion Auxiliary, Connie Halpin, Commander, Cayuga County American Legion, Margie Rowoth, Women's Marine Corps Association, Auburn VFW Post #1975 Auxiliary, and Fleming VFW Post #11071 Auxiliary.

Thanks to all the Committee Members: Richard C. Bryant - Treasurer; Raymond E. Keefe - Historian/Researcher; William E. Sullivan - Auburn City Veterans Council; and Nicholas C. Valenti - Director Cayuga County Veterans Service Agency.

THOSE WHO DIED IN SERVICE, WORLD WAR 1, 1916-1919 FROM AUBURN & CAYUGA COUNTY

"Dedication Of The World War 1 Memorial" in Auburn NY on May 26, 2003" Booklet can be downloaded in Adobe-PDF format -Click HERE

Email:   veterans@co.cayuga.ny.us
Directions: map #11

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Updated:01/25/2010