Discover the Heroes of Osterville
This Veterans Day, the Osterville Village Library invites you to honor the legacy of our veterans and local heroes through a guided walk exploring Osterville’s monuments. Join us on November 11th at 11:00 AM to delve into the stories behind these memorials and the remarkable individuals they commemorate.
Explore the Lives Behind the Monuments
Each monument tells the story of courage, sacrifice, and dedication. During the walk, you’ll learn about:
- Lt. Commander Wallace Chesbro, a Navy doctor who served heroically during WWII before his life was tragically cut short by a kamikaze attack.
- Technical Sergeant Joseph Barboza, whose service and sacrifice were rediscovered years later when his dog tags were returned to his family.
- Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin, a decorated WWII paratrooper known as “Jumpin’ Jim,” who played a pivotal role in the D-Day invasion and later helped establish the Peace Corps.
- Specialist Frederick Nickerson Curtis, a local hero who gave his life during the Vietnam War and is remembered for his warm spirit and dedication.
- Major David Richardson, a trailblazer as the first Black serviceman to graduate with honors from Officer Training School and a recipient of the Legion of Merit Award.
These are just a few of the extraordinary individuals whose lives and legacies are commemorated throughout Osterville.
Monument Locations and Historical Insights
The walk will take participants to key monuments across the village, including those dedicated to:
- Veterans of World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam
- Local heroes like Carpenter’s Mate John W. Eaton and Private First Class Charles Lewis
- Notable contributors to the community, such as Warren Hansen and Townsend Hornor
This Veterans Day Monument Walk is an opportunity to reflect on the bravery and dedication of Osterville’s veterans while immersing yourself in the village’s history.