Dear Editor,

Somewhere around 1990, the small triangular park area west of River Street/Hwy 69, just south of the bridge that crosses Sugar River, was designated as Veterans Park. This area had been a place to put fill in over a period of time and a local resident and distinguished Veteran, Ray Sherman, started collecting chunks of cement and concrete that was being replaced in the village. He would break up the concrete so he could place the chunks along the river bank of the Sugar River to help establish a retaining wall to hold the fill back from eroding in the river during high water times. Soon Francois Best joined Ray in helping to build the retaining wall. It was about this time that an organization called the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) was established, headed up by Francois Best and many other local residents who worked with the Village of Belleville, to name the Park in honor of local Veterans.

The picnic table with a roof in the Park was built by Randy Versnik as an Eagle Scout project. The trees that line the sidewalk were donated by Dan Sullivan of Sullivan Landscape and planted by Gary Yaun. Later, Harold Nolden placed a large stone with a plaque that says Veterans Park, and in the years since flowers have been planted by young children and ladies from the area next to the stone.

After a few years the VFW organization disbanded, with some members joining other chapters in surrounding communities. Last year several families from the area questioned American Legion members as to why we don’t have a memorial for local area Veterans who served in the military. Upon discussion with the Village Board and positive reinforcement from the board and Legion members, it was decided to hold a fundraiser to establish a memorial for all men and women who have served in the military.

In 2015 we had a raffle to kick off the Park Fund for a patriotic quilt and families have started donating slowly. We have an artist’s rendition of what we could do and are open for suggestions. There is a picture in the Village Hall and brochures will be there and soon in other Belleville businesses explaining what we are trying to accomplish and how to donate to the fund. Your help is needed if you would like to see this worthwhile addition to your community. Talk with any American Legion member from Belleville if you have questions or contact the number on the brochures coming out.

Submitted by Commander Richard Hardyman,

Duppler-Smith Post 460 American Legion, Belleville