Carmel, NY – On Friday, November 8, 2024, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne joined County Historian Jennifer Cassidy, Director of Veterans Services Karl Rohde, and a number of other guests at Veterans Memorial Park for the unveiling of a new plaque honoring Civil War Hero and Putnam County resident Francis O. Myers. Myers served alongside Col. Robert Gould Shaw with the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the assault on Fort Wagner during the Civil War. Myers was born in Patterson and lived in Southeast, and his grave is at Milltown Cemetery.

“We come together on Veterans Day not only to express our gratitude, but to remember the deep debt we owe to those who have defended our freedoms, but today, we are honor one specific Putnam County hero,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “Private Myers’ story is a purely American one, and I’m excited that generations will have the opportunity to learn about and remember him here at Veterans Memorial Park.”

County Historian Cassidy recounted some of the incredible details of Myers service including the moment he was wounded at Fort Wagner in South. “Private Frank Myers stood right under the uplifted sword of their brave Colonel Shaw, on the very top of the parapet as he cried ‘Forward, Fifty-fourth’ and then suddenly fell, quickly followed by Myers himself.”

For full video of the ceremony and reveal, visit Private Francis Myers Plaque Unveiling 2024