Editor’s note: Every day there are rays of light that shine into the lives of people through their neighbors, their co-workers, their families and even through complete strangers. This column is devoted to exposing these sunbeams to the light and offering readers an opportunity to share good news. We plan to occasionally offer up our own sunbeams, too.
Thank you, Mr. Paradis

At the gateway to our city, abutting the Androscoggin River and within sound of the roar of the falls, stands a vacant parcel of land. With the sweat and labor of many, there is now a Veterans Memorial Park, a park that stands proud with beautiful landscaping and flags flying proudly.

It wasn’t until I attended several of the veterans’ ceremonies at the park that I realized the meaning and importance of its presence. Finally, there was a place made available to hold events to honor our veterans.

People can walk through the paths in the park leading to the benches, donated by local residents and companies, there to view the names of the brave men engraved on the monuments. Added recently, a huge arrangement of gold flowers in the form of a star, in tribute to all Gold Star mothers.

Joe Paradis, Korean War veteran and POW, deserves everyone’s thanks for his early vision and inspiration that was responsible for creating of the Veterans Memorial Park.

Claire Guerrette, Lewiston
Many generous people

It was one year ago, on Jan. 3, 2006, that we had a house fire at 182 Paris Hill Road in South Paris.

We write now to thank everyone who helped us through that horrible event in our lives. Knowing that there are supportive and generous people out there means the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Eric and Betty Richardson, South Paris
True acts of kindness

I recently was burned out in a fire on Pierce Street. Many people helped me get food, clothing and household items. I thank all of those people.

I also would like to thank the two young women who helped me up when I fell while crossing at the intersection at Main and Bates streets. If it were not for all the generous people who helped me through a very trying time in my life, I do not know what I would have done. Their actions and kindness showed me that there are still a lot of caring people living and working in this community.

My thanks go out to all those who helped.

Nancy Gallant, Lewiston

The Sun Journal encourages its readers to offer their own sunbeams in writing. Please limit letters to 200 words. Letters must be signed and must include the author’s full name, address and telephone number, for verification purposes only. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Letters may be edited.

Address letters to: Letters to the Editor, Sunbeams, Sun Journal, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Fax: 207-777-3436. E-mail: letters@sunjournal.com, and note that the letter is for Sunbeams. For more information, call Judy Meyer, managing editor/days, at 800-482-0759, ext. 2302.

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