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Moniteau stadium renamed for Vietnam veteran who was killed in action

Moniteau head football coach Robert Rottman, left, is given an American flag by Greg Fitzingo, of Boyers, right, Friday evening for the dedication ceremony for the Luciano Plesakov Stadium. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

CHERRY TWP — On May 9, 1967, the Plesakov family of Moniteau was changed forever when it lost Luciano Plesakov in the Vietnam War, but now his name will live on for generations to come in the minds and hearts of the Moniteau community.

Following graduation in 1965, Plesakov enlisted in the United States Marines, but Corporal Plesakov, 19, was killed in action during the Vietnam War on that day in May.

To honor his ultimate sacrifice for his country, the Moniteau School District on Friday, Sept. 15, during military recognition night, renamed the school’s high school stadium to Luciano Plesakov Stadium ahead of the Warrior’s game against Brookville.

“I would like to thank everyone involved here tonight,” Chad Plesakov, nephew of Luciano said. “It’s amazing how this community came together.”

Luciano Plesakov was a member of the Moniteau High School graduating class of 1965 and was a member of the football and track teams.

“Luciano is the pinnacle of our family,” Chad said. “He is at the top of our family pyramid.”

The stadium dedication was done in collaboration with Moniteau School District and the assistance of the West Sunbury American Legion Post 243.

About 50 people helped display an American flag at midfield during the pregame ceremony.

Chad Plesakov, the nephew of Luciano Plesakov, speaks on Friday evening for the dedication ceremony for the Luciano Plesakov Stadium. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle
Members of the graduating class of 1965 stand and are recognized on Friday evening for the dedication ceremony for the Luciano Plesakov Stadium. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle
Brinn Magerko, of Moniteau, helps hold up a large American flag on the field on Friday evening for the dedication ceremony for the Luciano Plesakov Stadium. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle
A large American flag is held up on the field on Friday evening for the dedication ceremony for the Luciano Plesakov Stadium. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle
Dustin Thompson the co-principal of student affairs, center, reads the proclamation on Friday evening for the dedication ceremony for the Luciano Plesakov Stadium. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

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