36 Years Later, Hudson Valley Remembers Children Lost in Deadly Storm

The Town of Newburgh PBA shared a heartfelt memorial for a group of children who tragically lost their lives in East Coldenham 36-years ago.

What Happened in East Coldenham on November 16th, 1989?

On November 16th 1989 students in East Coldenham, in the Town of Newburgh, headed to school like any other day.

The day went on like normal until around lunch time. A group of 120 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders made their way into the cafeteria at East Coldenham Elementary School.

As the students settled into lunch time, according to the Town of Newburgh PBA, "A tornado struck the glass wall of that cafeteria at 12:30pm, sending tons of masonry on the children."

Sadly, 7 children died that day. 2 more children died later at local hospital. Additionally, 18 other children were injured.

On Facebook the Town of Newburgh PBA writes "Our Officers and other First Responders cannot and will not ever forget this day."

Changes to East Coldenham After 1989 Tragedy

After the tragedy, the design of the wall in the cafeteria was changed.

In the statement shared by the Town of Newburgh PBA, we learn that the weather incident that occurred was studied, and the structure of the building was studied as well.

During the rebuild they created 3 arched windows giving light to the cafeteria.

Additionally, the cafeteria was painted by retired teacher Joseph Carrol. They write:

He created a beautiful flower garden with a white gate. The names of the children are painted in the flowers and an accompaniment painting bears the inscription, “As your names are in this painting, you are always in our hearts”.

A memorial was created called "Loved Eternally" behind a wall of hedges meant to create a "quiet sanctuary for reflection."

The names of all the children who lost their lives that day are listed with a statement on the stone that reads "Your memory adds sunshine to our lives." The names on the memorial are as follows:

Playground Dedicated to The East Coldenham Tragedy Victims

Every year, the Town of Newburgh PBA explains, the victims are remembered during the Fifth Grade Award Ceremony.

Individual awards are given out "in the memory of each child who was lost that day." Additionally, there is a memorial scholarship given out each year during the high school graduation ceremony.

On November 16th every year, flags are flown at half staff and a moment of silence is  held throughout the entire school district to remember the 10 children lost during the tragic storm.

Back in 2010, a new playground was installed at East Coldenham and was dedicated to the 10 students who lost their lives that day.