The Town Board honored Commander John Gray, Director of the Camp Shanks Museum, with a special presentation on Tuesday night, recognizing his dedication to preserving the history of the iconic World War II site. During the ceremony, the Board presented Gray with a plaque that featured a Journal News article from October 2024, highlighting the story of two visitors who had lived in Camp Shanks during the war.
The article spotlighted the personal connection these visitors had to the historic location, offering a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of Camp Shanks on those who passed through it. The presentation was attended by several members of the Town Board, including Peter Hingle, Kevin O’Rourke, Americo Quinn, and Benjamin Delia, who stood alongside Gray to celebrate the importance of preserving the site’s legacy.
Gray has been instrumental in guiding the Camp Shanks Museum, which serves as a critical resource for understanding the history of the area and its role as a major embarkation point for soldiers during WWII. The plaque presentation not only commemorated this significant moment but also highlighted the Museum’s ongoing efforts to connect the community with its history.