TOWN OF KENT – A monument commemorating the 1,589 residents of Putnam County who enlisted in the Civil War was dedicated Sunday with great fanfare at the Putnam Veterans Memorial Park in Kent.
Carmel High School 2019 graduate Tyler Dicembrino conceived the idea of a monument and with the assistance of Jennifer Cassidy of the county historian’s Office, Karl Rohde, county director of Veterans Affairs, Carmel School District personnel and others, the young Civil War aficionado’s dream became reality.
Putnam County’s Civil War veterans were evenly dispersed throughout the county with Philipstown garnering the largest number, 480, followed by Carmel’s 369, 288 in Southeast, 173 from Putnam Valley, 161 from Patterson and 118 from Kent.
Tyler’s interest in the Civil War began when he first became immersed in watching movies related to the 19th century at age 12. “Movies turned to literature and I quickly realized the Civil War period of American history was perhaps our country’s most trying time.”
Tyler began researching the war and now will be studying American history as his major in college this fall while ‘minoring’ in political science. Tyler is also involved with several reenactment groups by bringing the literature to life for those attending exhibitions throughout the New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia areas. He even participated in a reenactment at West Point.
Carmel High School teacher Rob Buccheri called his former student “fantastic. Tyler is a special young man who will go places in life. His parents also deserve a pat on the back for their guidance and assistance.”
Buccheri reminded the three dozen in attendance that Putnam County played an important role in the Civil War. “The Cold Spring Foundry built thousands of cannons, many of which were used throughout the Civil War. An individual also came from Cold Spring who played a major role in the war. Major General Gouverneur K. Warren became the chief engineer for the Union Army in Gettysburg and there on Little Round Top he decided that that hill should be manned by Union troops which turned the battle around and won the Civil War. Putnam County is that important in our history.”
Rohde also praised Tyler’s efforts for helping to “perpetuate the history of our departed veterans. Putnam needs more young men like Tyler Dicembrino.”
