Hatboro-Horsham Seeks Funds for Veterans Monument

Behind the American flag at Hatboro-Horsham High School is an empty space. A successful fundraising campaign could lead to a granite Veterans monument filling that void. 

The school district hopes to raise $17,000 necessary to construct the monument, which will honor locals who have fought and sacrificed for freedom. The monument will be done completely by donations.

“One of the things we want to do is thank those individuals in the community who have served and honor those that didn’t come back,” Director of Choral Activities Bill Naydan said. “I came up with the idea a couple of years ago. The school participates in the American Music Abroad program and while in Europe, we saw there were lots of memorials to American soldiers, but we hardly have any here.”

The monument will be located in front of the school, behind the American flag near the main entrance. A committee has been formed to oversee plans and look at opportunities to fundraise. 

Monument plans so far call for three granite pillars, each laser engraved with a quote or military logo. The POW/ MIA logo will also appear on the pillars.

The center pillar will contain President Harry Truman's quote, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.” The other two will contain the six logos.  

During the Veterans Day breakfast at Keith Valley Middle School last month, Keith Valley teacher and veteran James Iaia presented the idea to those in attendance. 

Once the $17,000 is raised and the monument is constructed, a ceremony will be held to bring together community veterans from the five military branches and who fall under the POW/ MIA criteria.

How you can help

To help with the monument, contributions can be made by check to the Veterans Monument and sent to Hatboro-Horsham High School, 899 Horsham Road, mailbox #40 Horsham, PA 19044.