To the Editor:

In a recent newsletter from the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District, an announcement was made that, at the Oct. 17 board meeting, there would be a public discussion about veterans’ tax exemptions. While this is true, the district forgot to mention some other very important items to be at this meeting also.

At the Oct. 17 meeting, a special graduation ceremony will be conducted for two former BKW students. These two students had left school before their graduation in order to join the armed forces of the United States. Unfortunately, these two honorable gentlemen were killed in action in Viet Nam.

The families of these gentleman will receive their diplomas as allowed by New York State Education Law.

The soldiers are: First Lieutenant Eugene Jerome Curless Jr., who was killed in action on March 25, 1968 and awarded the Silver Star for his action that day, and Specialist Four Richard John Mosley, killed in action on Jan. 27, 1967; he was a medic shot by a sniper while attending to other wounded soldiers.

Other soldiers to be honored that night are Private First Class Glenn Raymond Gilbert, killed in action on Aug. 4, 1970; Staff Sergeant Daniel Eugene Nye, killed in action on Nov. 28, 1971; and Marine Corporal Robert Bruce Schampier, killed in action on March 6, 1968.

These soldiers were all Hilltown residents and we are inviting all residents to come and honor these men and give them their final welcome home.

We also believe that we will be able to announce an honor for all five of these heroes at this meeting.                                                

Ed Ackroyd for

Helderberg American Legion Post 977

Boyd Hilton VFW Post 7062