Elizabeth Podolski pays her respects at the Veterans’ Memorial at Stanley Park in Westfield.
WESTFIELD-From family picnics to parades, to fireworks and concerts, city residents have a multitude of ways for several days to mark the birth of our nation’s independence.
However, as we know – freedom isn’t free – and the days around the July Fourth celebrations also allow time to reflect and give gratitude to the men and women serving in the military who defend our personal freedoms.
At Stanley Park, the Veterans’ Memorial is an honor memorial for the living and in memory of those who have passed.
“The memorial is a special location to pause, reflect and appreciate just how much these men and women did for us in the past, present and future,” said Bob McKean, managing director, Stanley Park.
McKean noted that when he started at Stanley Park nine years ago the board was asked to build this memorial.
“The memorial was done with donations and funds raised by the memorial stones,” said McKean. “These funds are all restricted to the memorial account and are not used for the running of the park.”
McKean added when he recently viewed the park via Google Earth and saw the Veterans’ Memorial area, he made a discovery.
“A very strong ‘heart’ shape is evident,” said McKean. “We did not plan this as we were making a walkway down and around to recognize all who gave so much for our freedom – it must have come from above.”
McKean said it is an “honor” for him to have been part of the memorial and notes that “honor roll bricks” are still available to recognize all veterans – both living and deceased.
On a recent Thursday morning, Elizabeth (Weidhas) Podolski was taking a walk around the park and visited the memorial to say thank you to our military service members. Her sister, Gail Midgley, had purchased honor roll bricks for Albert Weidhas, Jr. and Paul Weidhas and she wanted to pay her respects.
“They willingly have done so much for us and every chance I get, I say thank you for being there for us,” said Podolski.
