Veterans Park Dedicated to Those That Have Served
Located at the corner of West 7th Street and Park Street is a little piece of land with a deep meaning. Once known as Doege Park, Veterans Park is in honor of those that have served our country. With picnic tables and a bench swing, it is a peaceful place to reflect on those that fought for justice.
According to the Marshfield city website, the parcel of land was donated to the city on January 11th, 1909 by George C. Beach. Veteran’s Park was named on September 7th, 1928 “as a living memorial to the soldiers who fought and died in World War I.”
In 1997, a Cobra AH-1 Helicopter was donated to the park by the American Legion Post 54, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1866, VVA Chapter 549 and DAV Chapter 57. Nicknamed “The Snake,” the helicopter served in combat missions in the Vietnam War.
Veteran Mike Feirer was part of the group that brought The Snake to Marshfield.
“The helicopter was acquired from the Air Force Base in Madison,” Feirer said. “Roy Powell, who was the Commander of the American Legion Post 54 submitted forms through Department Army to obtain this military hardware. We formed a group and obtained plans and specs to build the pedestal to display the helicopter.”
Feirer explained the helicopter received its nickname from the ground troops it protected.
“It was an allusive aircraft that would use the terrain to its advantage,” he said.
Parks and Recreation Director Justin Casperson said that park has frequent visitors.
Whether they gaze in awe at the helicopter, give silent thanks to those that served or take a stroll on the paths, “The park has people stop by daily, neighbors and family or friends of veterans,” he said.
Casperson gives credit for recent upkeep to Jan Altman and her family. Jan’s son, Joe Altman is a fallen soldier.
“They are great people who are wonderful to work with,” said Casperson.
“The loss of lives that touched all Americans” may be a memory stone in Veterans Park dedicated to September 11, 2001. But, it is clearly a message for us all to remember those that have lost so we can live.
