Montrose establishes Wall of Honor

BY STACI WILSON

A memorial, dedicated in honor of fallen soldier and Montrose graduate Daniel Arnold, was unveiled at the Montrose Area High School Veterans Day assembly. The memorial will be the first piece to hang on the newly established Wall of Honor in the school. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

A memorial sign paying tribute to of fallen soldier Staff Sgt Daniel Arnold is the first addition to a Wall of Honor being established at Montrose Area High School.

The Arnold family was on hand for the unveiling of the memorial at a Veterans Day assembly held at the school, Thursday, Nov. 11.

Principal Jim Tallarico said the Wall of Honor will pay tribute to any Montrose graduates who lost their lives serving in any war.

“Dan Arnold gave his life for his country,” said Tallarico. “My dad lived his life for his country.”

Tallerico told the students his father, who rose to the rank of Sgt. Major, was a Korean War veteran.

“Veterans Day is very important for me because of my dad. He’s my role model – my hero,” the principal said.

Local veterans were also on hand for the school assembly. They were escorted to seats of honor by high school students.

Members of the senior class performed “A Portrait of a Soldier’s Life,” comprised words written by veterans in letters and diaries.

Government class teacher Joe Festa explained the class did the research for the performance. “Every word was written by an American veteran,” he said.

Festa added, “For over 200 years, Americans have given their lives for this country. They are the reason for this assembly.”