Park Renamed To Honor Veterans for Their Dedication, Service

GRAND TERRACE>> For many years, Pico Park has brought the community together to enjoy all that the park has to offer. During the Veterans Wall of Freedom Dedication Ceremony Friday, Nov. 11, Mayor Darcy McNaboe announced Pico Park has now been renamed “Veterans Freedom Park.” The park houses The Veterans Wall of Freedom, a monument that spells out “FREEDOM” in large block letters that stand at six-feet tall and six to eight feet wide. The monument inspired the name change and although many cities have a Veterans Park, it didn’t seem to be enough given the magnitude of the monument. So when Grand Terrace resident and former Grand Terrace Council Member Jim Miller brought the idea of renaming the park to “Veterans Freedom Park” the council all agreed that was the perfect name for the park that would help honor all veterans for their service. On each of the letters, veterans or their families are able to reserve a space honoring the veteran’s service and dedication to their country. The wall helps honor the veterans for the sacrifices they made and to symbolize their heroism. During the ceremony, City Manager Harold Duffy acknowledged the work that was done and said he will ensure that it is properly taken care of so that it remains in pristine condition. “The City of Grand Terrace has a number of wonderful, beautiful parks but as this wall is symbolized, it makes the city one of the most unique places,” Duffy said. Council Member Bill Hussey also took to Facebook for the announcement. “I want to first thank all my fellow veterans for the sacrifices that you made and make every day for this great country,” Hussey said. “The idea was brought up about a year ago and with the help of the city and my fellow council members, it has now happened. Most importantly, thank you to the residents who came to the council meeting that night in support of this name change. They stood behind this great idea and their voices were heard. I want to thank Jim Miller who came up with the great name, ‘Veterans Freedom Park.’” Hussey said as a veteran himself, the renaming of the park is one of his proudest moments the city has done for veterans. “We have a beautiful monument and a park named after us. Only good things can come from this great honor,” Hussey said. “Also, remember it’s never too late to get your name on the Freedom Wall. It’s a great way to honor a veteran and it’s open to all veterans in the area. God Bless America and God Bless our Veterans.” The mission of the Veteran’s Wall of Freedom is to show their eternal gratitude to the men and women who answered the call to defend liberty and protect freedom by serving in the military of the Unites States of America. The monument is dedicated to our U.S. Military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication and service to the country. For more information, visit www.veteranswalloffreedom.org. During the ceremony, it was also announced that the community can include small trinkets, meaningful belongings or messages to have placed inside a time capsule that will be placed in the park. If you would like to add to the capsule, please bring any items, letters or notes to the City News Group office, located at 22797 Barton Road in Grand Terrace. the City News Group office, located at 22797 Barton Road in Grand Terrace.