The Veterans’ Memorial Park is the brainchild of Joseph A. Paradis of Lewiston; Joe is a Purple Heart recipient, a Korean War POW, a dedicated member of the L/A Veterans, and he holds every veteran in equal regard. The park is a legacy for all time, a remembrance to the veterans of Maine.

Joe Paradis is an unassuming man who does his work quietly, he never interrupts, and one senses his gentleness and goodness as soon as you meet him. Joe had a dream: so he set out on a quest to create a veterans’ memorial. This was a gaping omission in the community regarding our veterans. Joe single-handedly garnered the park called Veterans’ Memorial Park.

Joe talked to over 1,500 people who signed petitions to request the city of Lewiston to grant space for a veterans park. The Veterans’ Memorial Park, formerly known as Heritage Park, was renamed by the city of Lewiston. The dedication was held on Nov. 11, 2002.

Afterward, the Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council, under the leadership of Bertrand Dutil, chairman, Roland Cyr, treasurer, Bertha Dunbar, secretary, and directors Armand Bussiere, Maurice Dutil, Maurice Marquis, Raymond Boulet and Emmett Stuart, provided the leadership needed to develop the Veterans’ Memorial Park.

The monuments are elegant and striking; it feels oddly comforting when you touch the names that are inscribed on the stones.

I encourage people to come out this Veterans’ Day to pay tribute to our veterans, and enjoy the beautiful park that came about because of a thoughtful man.

Rep. Margaret Craven, Lewiston