By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
Following two years of discussions, planning and dreams, the Veterans Memorial Park Association, made up of local veterans, has announced plans for a future Veterans Memorial Park in Caribou, honoring all veterans from all branches of the military is coming to fruition.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Board members and guests of the recently formed Veterans Memorial Park Association met at the Lister/Knowlton VFW Post 9389 in Caribou to consider design plans for the future park, which will be located at what is currently known as Monument Park, next to the Nylander Museum, in Caribou. The planned park will be in celebration of all veterans who served/or are serving in all branches of the U.S. Military. In front, from left are Michael Shrewsberry, who assisted with the initial park design; board of director members Cuppy Johndro and Douglas Michaud. In back are Clarence McLauglin, VMPA member; and directors John Wallace, Carroll St. Peter, president; Philip McDonough II, Lester Dubois and Rey Guerrette.
When Caribou’s Carroll St. Peter, a retired military veteran, first started thinking about the need for something like a memorial park, a place where veterans and their families could visit; where community members, families and guests to the area, could go to honor, to respect, to remember and be educated, he knew what he wanted to do — and far be it for anyone one to doubt his spirit.
Through talking with other local veterans who appreciated the idea and understood exactly what direction this project would have to follow, the Veterans Memorial Park Association was formed, word was spread, donations were made in support of the project and other funds committed. This was a staid idea and it was not going to fade.
Searching for the ideal location to construct the park saw association members scouting the community, approaching the city council for recommendations, they discovered guidelines, codes, and limitations and on Oct 12, during a regular Caribou City Council meeting, Carroll St. Peter, president of the Veterans Memorial Park Association handed Mayor Kenneth Murchison a crisp $1 bill, the agreed payment due the city of Caribou for the parcel of land on South Main Street, adjacent to the Nylander Museum known as Monument Park, home to the Civil War statue.
The mission of the group is to foster fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational needs for the citizens of Aroostook County. The association and the park will foster true Patriotism and shall extend to all, the feelings of freedom and liberty.
