Kids track Monroe’s WWII fallen soldiers

MONROE — Eighth-graders here have been working after school to preserve a piece of history.

Students from Park Place Middle School have been doing the research needed to complete a World War II monument that many are unaware of in Monroe.

The American Legion installed the concrete stand, which bears a small bronze plaque, in Memorial Stadium on Kelsey Street in 1951. Originally, the plan was to include the names of Monroe soldiers killed in the line of duty during World War II on the plaque. But the names were never added, said Tami Beaumont of the Monroe Historical Society.

More than a half a century later, teachers and students are collecting the names, and researching and writing biographies for 18 soldiers from Monroe. They hope to add the names to the monument.

Park Place Middle School teachers Dottie Simoni and Tonia Boyle started the effort two years ago.

About 20 students have been spending time outside school tracking down information about the soldiers. They’ve searched newspaper archives and contacted family members and veterans. They’ve also visited the library and the historical society.

“The kids have really done a good job honoring these men, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Boyle said.

Alex McCartney, 14, said he’s been researching three soldiers.

He learned that one of the men, Henry Hooper, was buried in the Netherlands. Alex was able to contact through Facebook the man who takes care of Hooper’s grave, and one of Hooper’s cousins in Oregon.

He found relatives of another soldier, Herman Schmidt, living just two minutes away from his house in Monroe. He was able to visit the soldier’s family and look at photos and Schmidt’s bronze star.

Alex has yet to find people who knew his third soldier, Lester Crockett.

“It’s important that we remember them because they sacrificed their lives for this country,” he said.

Once the research is complete, Boyle said, the monument might need to be refurbished before names can be added. There’s also talk of moving it to a more prominent location in town.

Students are to present their research and discuss the effort to finish the monument at an event at Park Place Middle School at 6:30 p.m. on June 3.

Monroe veterans will be available to answer questions after the student presentation.

The Monroe Historical Society is accepting donations to complete work on the monument.

For more information, call 360-217-2773 or visit monroehistoricalsociety.org.

Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

A cyclist crosses the road near the proposed site of a new park, left, at the intersection of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett to use $2.2M for Holly neighborhood’s first park

The new park is set to double as a stormwater facility at the southeast corner of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW.

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge elevator after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator last week, damaging the cables and brakes. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Grand Avenue Park Bridge vandalized, out of service at least a week

Repairs could cost $5,500 after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator on April 27.

Riaz Khan finally won office in 2019 on his fifth try. Now he’s running for state Legislature. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Ex-Democrat leader from Mukilteo switches parties to run for state House

Riaz Khan resigned from the 21st Legislative District Democrats and registered to run as a Republican, challenging Rep. Strom Peterson.

Shirley Sutton
Sutton resigns from Lynnwood council, ‘effective immediately’

Part of Sutton’s reason was her “overwhelming desire” to return home to the Yakima Valley.

Michelle Bennett Wednesday afternoon during a meet-and-greet with Edmonds Police Chief finalists at the Edmonds Library on August 4, 2021.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Edmonds police chief accidentally fires gun inside police vehicle

Michelle Bennett was at a city fueling facility when her gun went off. Nobody was injured. Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen was reviewing the incident.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Darrington in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Gunshot prompts massive police response near Darrington; ends peacefully

A man wanted for robbery fired a shot when deputies converged. Authorities shut down Highway 530 near Darrington. No deputies were injured.

Everett
Dog rescued, 10 displaced after apartment fire south of Everett

Fire crews rescued a dog from the third floor of an apartment building, where sprinklers confined the fire.

Marysville
Marysville man arrested in alleged murder conspiracy in Anacortes

Jesse Michael Allen, of Marysville, is the fifth suspect police believe participated in an alleged kidnapping in September.

Construction occurs at 16104 Cascadian Way in Bothell, Washington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
What Snohomish County ZIP codes have seen biggest jumps in home value?

Mill Creek, for one. As interest rates remain high and supplies are low, buyers could have trouble in today’s housing market.

Rylee Fink, 3, left, stomps through the sand while other children run through the water during a low tide at Howarth Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Stock up on sunblock: Highs in 80s could be coming to Snohomish County

Everett could hit a high of 79 on Saturday. Farther inland, temperatures could reach as high as 86 this weekend.

Neighbors stand in Lisa Jansson’s yard to get a view of the wall of processed wood remains, or “hog fuel,” building up along the property’s border with DTG on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
After complaints, county shuts down DTG’s Maltby recycling facility

For months, neighbors have reported constant noise and pollution at the facility. By July 15, DTG must stop accepting material there.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.