On June 9, 2002, on the island community of Grand Island, New York, the Charles DeGlopper VFW Post #9249 dedicated a new headstone on the grave of the island's native son, Charles N. DeGlopper, C Company, 325th Glider Infantry. The new marker recognizes the fact that Charles DeGlopper was awarded the Medal of Honor after his death during the Normandy invasion.
The service was led by VFW trustee, Joe Synakowski, and was well attended by the community, members of the DeGlopper family, and Honor Guards from the VFW Post and the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association. It was my honor and privilege to be invited to take part in the dedication services, reading the proclamation issued by the town council, naming June 9 as Charles DeGlopper Remembrance Day.
The dedication was part of Grand Island's Sesquicentennial celebration, a weekend-long event that also included a display at the Historic Trinity Church of World War Two and Vietnam memorabilia, a collection of model aircraft from the Niagara Sunday Flyers remote-control aircraft club, and an outstanding display of items relating to Charles DeGlopper, including the Medal of Honor that was presented to his family in 1946. Earl DeGlopper, a Navy World War II veteran and first cousin of Charles, and his wife Rita, were my most gracious hosts during the weekend, taking me to some of the local attractions, including the farm where Charles grew up. They also treated me to an excellent dinner at The Village Inn, a unique eatery on the island. Joe Synakowski, an 82nd Airborne veteran, and who actually served in the 325th in 1947, presented me with copies of what information he had on display for Charles. It was very touching to see the great interest and respect that so many members of the community had for Charles, and the warm welcome I received. I would also like to extend my thanks to Teddy Linenfelser; without the outstanding work she has done on the Grand Island web site (www.isledegrande.com), it is very unlikely I would have been able to make contact with DeGlopper's family, nor taken part in honoring a true hero of the 325th. |
