New Madrid Co. park honors 'true American heros'

NEW MADRID -- The black marble sparkled in the Thursday's sunlight reflecting the faces of those gathered close in hopes of spotting the name of a father, brother, sister, uncle, cousin or friend etched in white. The names of the military veterans from New Madrid County who have answered their country's call.

This Veterans Day, New Madrid County dedicated a small park on New Madrid's Main Street "honoring our true American heroes."

New Madrid Mayor Donnie Brown in opening the ceremony explained the park is a "reminder of the sobering effects of war." He called it a chance to remember those who have sacrificed for freedom and for peace.

Brown explained the park was an effort begun by the Riverbend Botanical Society. Since the idea of the park was born the group has raised some $90,000 for its construction, which in addition to the blocks etched with the names of those who have served from throughout New Madrid County, also includes a fountain, arbor, center stone with the symbols of all the Armed Services and memorial benches. Also assisting in its development were the New Madrid County Commission, New Madrid County employees, the New Madrid City Council and its employees, according to Brown.

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