Orleans Unveils New Veterans Memorial Park On Veterans Day

ORLEANS – It’s common to take time to stop and thank those who have served their country on Veterans Day. But on Tuesday, the town officially unveiled a newly renovated park, one carried out with the help of many local hands, to show its appreciation for service members. 

 The town’s annual Veterans Day ceremony began on the Village Green and concluded across the street at Veterans Memorial Park, where a ribbon was cut commemorating the park’s renovations. Officer Matthew Smith of the Orleans Police Department and Eryn Meinhardt-Donohoe of the Orleans Fire Department then ran a new American Flag up the flagpole in the center of the park.

 “This is fantastic,” said Orleans resident Mon Cochran, a Vietnam War veteran. “It’s a testament to the town of Orleans, and to the many people who helped make this possible.”

Plans for the park have been in the works for several years. The renovations include newly refurbished monuments, brick patios and walkways with inscribed memorial bricks, granite benches and new utilities. A refurbished World War I memorial has been set, as has a memorial commemorating the Civil War. Additional monuments commemorating other conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam wars, are currently being planned.

 “We stand amongst patriots, as well as the family members and friends of those who have nobly served our nation,” said Kevin Higgins, chair of the town’s veterans committee who has overseen efforts to renovate the park.

 Tuesday’s keynote speakers included local architect David Hawk, who designed the renovated park, and Russ Kleekamp of EDR, the renovation’s project manager. In his remarks, Hawk noted the impact that military service had on his younger brother.

 “All I want to say is when he came out he had focus, he had purpose, he had confidence, he had compassion for life and he had direction,” Hawk said. “And what can I ask more from the armed services than something like that?”

 Andrew deLory, a member of the town’s veterans committee, served as a non-combatant photojournalist in Vietnam. Like many Vietnam veterans, he did not receive a warm homecoming at the end of his service.

 “That’s certainly part of my motivation [behind helping with the park] as well,” he said. “Because part of me wants to make up for or compensate for the lack of respect and honor given to veterans returning home. And I think that’s given me passion to do what I can to assure that this is the most respectful and honorable memorial possible.”