Goshen, N.Y. – The “Remember Our Fallen” Memorial wall, created to remember the more than 300 New York servicemen and women killed while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan since the 9/11 attacks, is on display at the Orange County Government Center.
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus helped bring the display to the Government Center with Monroe resident Laurene Allen Sandstrom, who coordinates locations for the memorial. She is the sister of Lou Allen of Chester, who died in 2005 while serving in Iraq.
Sandstrom’s brother is among those whose photo and name appears on the wall.
“I have dedicated my life to those who serve and those who sacrifice so much for our country,” said Sandstrom. “We appreciate that County Executive Neuhaus has given us this platform to display the wall, which I have a special affinity for. I intend to take it to every VFW and American Legion that will have it throughout the state. We are proud that the memorial is on display at the Government Center.”
The photographic war memorial was created by Patriotic Productions and Bill and Evonne Ford of Nebraska in 2010. Their son, Sgt. Joshua Ford, was killed in Iraq after the 9/11 attacks and they wanted him and other fallen soldiers to be remembered. “Remember Our Fallen” is designed to travel and includes both military and personal photos.
Sandstrom, who is president of the American Legion Unit #488 Auxiliary in Monroe, became temporary keeper of New York’s wall after inquiring about its availability. She said she expects to oversee it for at least a year. The display is scheduled to remain at the Government Center until Memorial Day weekend.
“Lou Allen’s passing hit home with many of us in Orange County, myself included,” Neuhaus said. “He was not only a soldier and resident of Orange County, but he was also a dedicated family man. This wall is a testament to the fact that freedom is not free. We are honored to have the opportunity to host the memorial, which includes our soldiers from Orange County who have perished while bravely serving in the Middle East.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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