(Spectrum News – Devin Bates) The city of Chicopee is celebrating a big milestone for a project years in the making to honor a new generation of veterans and their service dogs.
Ground has officially been broken on the Western Massachusetts Post 9/11 and Service Dog Memorial Park. The vacant space on Westover Road will soon be a place for those who sacrificed to relax and reflect. Stephanie Shaw served in Afghanistan, and as Chicopee’s director of veterans services, the mission of turning the park from concept to reality has been a personal one.
“We could do more than a monument, we could do more than dedicate a building, and those are all fantastic gestures but I felt we could do more,” Shaw said. “I wanted to make a space where my five children can come and play and I can educate them about what I did, what their father did, what our friends did, and I think we’ve done that.”
Spanning seven acres, the park will feature winding trails, fitness areas, a dog park, and a remembrance plaza complete with a memorial dog tag sculpture. Secretary Cheryl Lussier Poppe of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services said it will serve as a reminder of those who enlisted in the wake of Sept. 11 for generations to come, even after those alive for the tragedy are gone.
“We can never forget those who fought for our way of life,” she said. “To preserve and protect the liberty and freedom that we all enjoy today, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This park is a place for their families.”
Dozens of veterans were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony, including a handful of state representatives and senators who served in Afghanistan. Rep. Shirley Arriaga and Sen. John Velis are looking forward to returning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Anytime anyone passes through here, especially if you’re stationed at Westover Air Force Base, you will see this, and you will take that moment of gratitude,” Arriaga said. “Freedom is not free.”
“What do we do as a commonwealth, as a nation, and as a community like Chicopee to honor that sacrifice?” Velis asked. “I would say this is a phenomenal start.”
Mayor John Vieau said the park is designed to be a unique space for recreation, reflection and education.
“The planning, development and design phases included community, veteran and professional input to provide the region and neighborhood with a place they can use and be proud to have as part of our city,” Vieau said.
The park is expected to be completed early next year.