LONG EDDY  — In the true spirit of community, the World War II Long Eddy Honor Roll was rebuilt this summer by a group of contractors, veterans’ groups, and local citizens. The Honor Roll stands on the corner of State Route 97 and Cemetery Road in Long Eddy, just outside of the St. Patrick Cemetery. 

The first honor roll was erected during World War II and stood in the courtyard of the Maple Grove House. The memorial was built to honor all of those that served or, at the time, were serving in World War II. That original monument was only a memory and a photograph when a replica was proposed as a Sullivan Renaissance project by the Basket Historical Society in 2006 was built at the current location.

That memorial stood proudly as a testament of Long Eddy’s “Finest Generation” for 16 years. But, hard weather and time severely deteriorated the sign to the point that the structure was in need of being replaced. 

Tony Quinn, a contractor with ties to the area stepped up to take down the old sign, build a replacement, and erect it in the same location. Tony was assisted with construction by Paul Ignelzi, Robert Vairo, Robert Lepple, Jim Meyerer, Jon Hulse, Mike Cordes and Frank Geosits. All labor was generously donated, and materials were covered by donations from the following contributors:

Allan Milk VFW 7276

Basket Historical Society

Joseph Bonanno

Callicoon Brewing Company

Creek House Grill

George Conklin, III

Michael Cordes

Frank Geosits

Jason Helmbold

Long Eddy Hotel

Marine Corps League Det. 652

Al Napolitano

Travis O’Dell

The Pheasantry (Don)

Anthony Quinn

Rock Valley Spirits

Fred Stabbert, III

Robert Vairo

Now complete, the memorial and its fine craftsmanship will show our respect to those from the Long Eddy area who proudly served our country over 75 years ago. A dedication ceremony will be held at a date to be determined.