Ardsley community honors fallen WWII students on Memorial Day with restored memorial plaque
A memorial plaque recognizing 14 Ardsley High School students who died during World War II was restored and unveiled for the first time in over 50 years.
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The Ardsley community gathered on Memorial Day to rededicate a long-lost piece of history that honors local students who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A memorial plaque recognizing 14 Ardsley High School students who died during World War II was restored and unveiled for the first time in over 50 years.
The plaque was originally presented by the high school’s Honor Society in the years following the war. However, after the high school relocated decades ago, the memorial was never reinstalled and was eventually forgotten.
The rededication ceremony brought together community members, students and relatives of the fallen soldiers.
Among them was Beth Wallach, whose brother, Robert L. Kakerbeck, died at just 21 years old when his plane went down in England just days before D-Day.
Wallach, who was a child when her brother died and later graduated from Ardsley High School, said seeing the plaque again was emotional.
“It’s just so great to be here and remember him again,” she said. “I am very happy to be here and see the plaque again.”
The restored plaque now serves as a permanent reminder inside Ardsley High School. It will ensure that the names and stories of the 14 students will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
