US Army Specialist Jonathan Rivadeneira Memorialized at PS 69

UsaNewsOnline.Com, New York : On Friday, NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm joined PS 69 Principal Martha Vazquez, Martha Clarke, mother of the late US Army Specialist Jonathan Rivadeneira, PS 69 students and community residents for a ceremony honoring Rivadeneira’s life and legacy. A graduate of PS 69, Specialist Rivadeneira died on September 14, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat. To pay tribute to Rivadeneira’s memory, Principal Vazquez had a commemorative plaque (sponsored by the Jackson Heights Beautification Group) installed outside of the school by their “peace pole,” a monument to peace, pictured above to the right. A portrait of Rivadeneira will hang inside the school in honor of Rivadeneira’s memory. Rivadeneira was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “I was humbled to join my neighbors and the Rivadeneira family in honoring the memory of US Army Specialist Jonathan Rivadeneira ” said NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst). “Specialist Rivadeneira sacrificed his life in service to this country. We in Jackson Heights are grateful for all that he did to keep us safe. He will forever be remembered for his heroism.”

(Photo Caption (left to right): PS 69 Principal Martha Vazquez, US Army Specialist Jonathan Rivadeneira’s mother Martha Clarke and Council Member Dromm gather around the commemorative plaque honoring the memory of Rivadeneira at PS 69 in Jackson Heights, NY.) Press Release.