St. Peters was first city in St. Charles County to rename Veterans Memorial Parkway after a campaign led by Ralph Barrale.
It wasn't too long ago that Veterans Memorial Parkway didn't exist. Sure the road was there, but it went by a different name. It wasn't until a campaign, led by Lake Saint Louis resident Ralph Barrale, sought to change the name of the road to honor the veterans. "There was nothing in St. Charles at that time to recognize the veterans," Barrale said. "And that was the beginning." The first city to change the name? St. Peters. Barrale continues to fight to make sure veterans are recognized. You can read more about him and his championing of veterans on Lake Saint Louis Patch.
St. Peters resident and World War II veteran Bill Rupp has raised funds and helped build several monuments to honor veterans.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Amanda Bretz
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
St. Peters resident Bill Rupp has been an integral part of the community for many years. The World War II vet has lived in St. Peters for 28 years. During that time, he has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, was the first chairman of the St. Peters Veterans Commission and has helped build memorials to honor veterans. “He does so much, he is still serving his country, just in a different aspect,” said George Newell, veterans service information officer, and friend of Rupp. A record of service Rupp was named Veteran of the Year by the Pentagon in 2006 and was one of nineteen veterans honored in a book titled Distinguished Veterans Who Made a Difference. Also in 2006, Rupp met President George W. Bush when he made a stop in St. …
Terri Violet
3:04 pm on Thursday, December 1, 2011
What an honor to know Bill Rupp. So many people look up to him and have a great deal of respect for all he has sacrificed for our city and country on behalf of all who have served. He has done so much for the Veterans of St. Peters and surrounding areas by showing true honor and respect for those that are here and those that have gone. He is a blessing to our great city. more ›