A Saugus High senior is fundraising money to build an honor wall to recognize the service and dedication of students serving in the armed forces after graduating from high school.
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For Steven Plante, 17, joining the military is a dream he’s always had.
“I have seen the commitment first hand, through friends and family, years of pain and suffering to sacrifice their livelihood at home to go across the world to protect us,” Plante said. “I want to do something special to say thank you and to give back to those that make the ultimate sacrifice for us.”
With the support of Principal Bill Bolde and Saugus High School, Plante is fundraising money to erect a “Wall of Honor” to recognize students who join the armed forces after graduating high school.
“The wall will feature the names of those from Saugus High School who have gone on to serve in the military,” Plante explained. “Their names will be followed by their graduation year and respective military branch.”
The wall will have five main plaques, recognizing each student’s branch of the military: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Underneath each branch will be a plaque with the serviceman’s information.
The “Wall of Honor” will also feature a special plaque to memorialize students who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in their call of duty.
Get live news updates about Santa Clarita by following KHTS on Facebook and KHTS on Twitter“Saugus has had one student who passed away in Afghanistan,” Plante said, “and the Wall will include a special individual tribute to (Richard Slocum and his family), as well as any other students who pay for our freedom with their lives.”
The “Wall” is expected to cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Plante has set up a GoFundMe Page and is seeking donations for the project.
The tentative project completion date is Nov. 10, 2016.
“The opening ceremony will be held on Veterans Day to commemorate the wall and what it stands for,” Plante said.
For more information or to donate to the “Wall of Honor,” contact Steven Plante at (661)492-1017 or splante10@gmail.com.
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Why is it that when one of your family members currently in the military, and alumni of the Santa Clarita Valley school system, has to pay for the cost of the banner with his or her picture; and when the banner is removed you once again have to pay for the banner with your son or daughter?
This is something very different from what you are describing. This project is not making anyone pay. Names will be put on the wall to give our heroes the thank you they deserve — even if those families did not contact us. We are only asking for donations because we need help in order to make this happen! I hope this helps.
All the best,
Steven Plante
Project manager
Students name was Richard Slocum. Graduating class of 2003