Sunday, November 1, 2009

Oneto-Sikorski -- Fourth Year Memorial

BAY ST. LOUIS -- While the end of October is party time for most Americans, unfortunately many people know the pain of tragedy that comes with traditional holidays.

While American military personnel usually have their own version of the celebrations, danger in Iraq and Afghanistan, like untimely violence and death at home, does not take off on holidays.

So was the case Oct. 31, 2005, when 1st Lt. Robert C. Oneto-Sikorski was killed in Iraq during a combat mission. He was leader of the Army's 155th Infantry Battalion.

He was a 33-year-old native of Bay St. Louis.

During May, Oneto-Sikorski was the first soldier added to a Veterans Memorial Garden built by students on school grounds at Bay High. His name is etched into a brick of the memorial that honors fallen military personnel.

The students held dedication ceremonies May 22, 2009.

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