Veterans Plaque Dedicated at Lincoln-Sudbury

At an intimate ceremony at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School on Saturday, veterans gathered with friends, family, and other supporters for the dedication of a new plaque honoring former students who have served in the armed forces since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

The death is being treated as a suicide, and those in attendance on Saturday observed a moment of silence in Lance Corporal Ronner’s honor.

Student Senate President Emily Casey, who helped champion the creation of the plaque, read aloud each of the dozens of names of L-S alumni who have served in the armed forces over the past decade.

“This plaque is just a small token of appreciation for all those brave men and women,” she said.

Casey explained that identifying the right names has been a grass-roots effort that will be ongoing, because there is no central database of L-S graduates who are veterans.

A key note address was delivered at the dedication by Navy Reserve Rear Admiral Vic Beck, a Sudbury native who serves part time as the Navy’s vice chief of information.

While it is an honor for all in the military to serve, he said, those who have volunteered since 9/11 should particularly be regarded as heroes because they enlisted with full knowledge that they would likely be called to active duty. Additionally, that same bravery has been required of their loved ones.

“It’s so much more than just us,” said Beck. “It’s our families, our friends, and our extended families back home.”

Also present at the ceremony was Patty Houpt, founder of the Sudbury Military Support Network. Houpt encouraged all in the community to get involved in upcoming opportunities to support military families, such as helping to prepare food for Ronner’s funeral or turning out to support veterans at the annual Memorial Day parade.

Following Saturday’s ceremony, attendees filed into the high school lobby to quietly observe the veterans plaque, as well as a new jersey case honoring