It was a celebration of patriotism and goodwill as nearly 200 donors who have made the new Veterans Memorial Park a reality gathered Saturday at the National Guard Armory.
VMP board members wanted to five special thanks to the donors and provided an afternoon of special speakers, music and fellowship.
Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton spoke about how the new park is adding value to the community.
“I want to thank the board and the donors,” Barton said. “The park is truly a priceless gift to our community for generations to come. We have a great community and we have a lot to celebrate, but realize that none of what we have would be possible without the sacrifice of the men and women who stood guard. This park helps complete our community.”
Local songwriter and singer Anita Wood performed an original tribute song to all veterans.
Wabash College history professor, Dr. Sabrina Thomas, said she wants all her students to visit the park in the future and she will make it an assignment for those in her history class. She said the park allows visitors to have a personal interaction with history.
“As a professor I always want my students to understand the emotional part of leaving home to serve in the military,” Thomas said. “This park will allow visitors to feel closer to the men and women who served and better understand the sacrifices the men and women have made.”
U.S. Congressman James Baird was on hand to participate in the event. Baird, a veteran, believes the park is a tribute to all veterans and it will be a constant reminder of what veterans do for their country.
At the end of the celebration, attendees participated in a champaign toast to the park.
The City of Crawfordsville contributed to the celebration by paying for the meal catered by Stookeys.
There still is work yet to be done at the park. Memorial bricks are still being sold. The bricks can be purchased for $100 and can be inscribed with the names of family members, or other veterans, who served in the Armed Services. Forms are available at the local American Legion Post 72.
