Governor Paul R. LePage has designated $10,000 from his contingency fund to support the construction and maintenance of a memorial park in Caribou, built by the Veterans Memorial Park Association. The park honors all those who have served our country, in war and in peace.
“Our veterans deserve to be remembered long beyond their years with us here on earth. Some of our veterans paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure future generations a chance at the American Dream,” said Governor LePage. “It is a dream we cherish and one that is so rare for the rest of the world. Ann and I send our greatest appreciation to the many local volunteers who have invested their time, physical labor and equipment in the breaking of ground for this memorial park.”
The Veterans Memorial Park Association expresses their commitment to the memorial as a well-maintained place of remembrance and honor where surviving veterans and families can visit and know they are appreciated, that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. Although the Korean War is often referred to “America’s Forgotten War,” the Veterans Memorial Park Association facilitated a special way of letting Korean War veterans know they are not forgotten – by launching their fundraising campaign on July 27, 2013, the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice.
“I was so glad to hear that the Governor was donating to our cause. We have worked hard over the past five years to get where we are today,” said Philip McDonough, chairman of the Veterans Memorial Park Association. “The funds that the Governor has provided will help us immensely towards some of our future projects. One is a Purple Heart monument and the other a historical piece so that people can have some idea of what veterans are all about.”
To also be included in this memorial park is a large granite stone representing and celebrating all branches of the military. Another monument already designed is dedicated to the recognition of prisoners of war and those who are missing in action.
Anyone who is interested in making a contribution of any amount to the Veterans Memorial Park in Caribou, should send their check to Veterans Memorial Park Association, P. O. Box 453, Caribou, Maine 04736.
