The brainchild of local veteran and business owner David Harger, the park at 219 E. Water St. now features new monuments and detailed artistic panels commemorating the service of soldiers in every major US conflict since the American Revolution.

Harger, owner of Harger Utility Contractors, Inc. and master of ceremonies for the rededication, first envisioned renovating the park in 2017. A retired US Army 1st Sergeant with 20 years of military service, Harger is deeply committed to supporting veterans. He founded VetForce, a security company employing veterans, and runs the Harger Utility Foundation, which organizes events and benefits for local veterans in need.

After years of working behind the scenes to bring the project to life, Harger had the honor of welcoming the crowd Monday morning at the park’s unveiling.

His mother, Donna Batschelet, led the crowd in an opening prayer before the Posting of Colors by retired 1st Sergeant Steve Kowatch, accompanied by members of the Bitner Bechdel Post 623 American Legion and VFW Post 1630.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Vietnam war veterans in attendance at the Veterans Park Rededication on Veterans day are recognized for their service during the unveiling of the tribute wall.

A ceremonial flag raising followed, with the National Anthem performed by Cpl. Amy Kowatch, a U.S. Army veteran, and a reading of the poem “In Flanders Fields” by retired Captain Ralph Moerschbaucher.

Harger then introduced the dignitaries in attendance, including Congressman Glenn Thompson, Senator Cris Dush, Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, Lock Haven City Mayor Joel Long, monument sculptor Gary Casteel and Clinton County Commissioners Jim Russo, Jeff Snyder and Angela Harding. A few of the dignitaries took a moment to address the crowd, before the event’s speakers took the podium.

“Today we honor the men and women who served in our armed forces, and we rededicate this hallowed ground,” said Congressman Thompson. “This dedication is not just symbolic, it’s a promise to keep the memory of our veterans alive.”

Recognizing the veterans in attendance, he reminded the crowd, “When we thank our veterans, we’re reminded that our freedoms aren’t granted by chance and are certainly not free.”

Harger was the first speaker during the ceremony, dedicating much of his time to thanking the many sponsors of the project. He singled out a few key contributors, including Bitner Bechdel Post 623 in Beech Creek, which donated $100,000 toward the park’s construction.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Community members and veterans sitting on East Water Street to watch the rededication of Veterans Park.

“This is a space for us to heal,” Harger said of the park.

He described his vision for the park as a place where veterans could build community — a place to pull up a chair, lay down a lawn blanket and share a cigar over war stories.

Retired Colonel Daryl Martin discussed the history of the day. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to mark the end of World War I. It later became Veterans Day, a day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars, after President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first official “Veterans Day Proclamation” in 1954.

“We shall remember and honor Veterans Day for those brave men and women who believed so much in an idea, and were so possessed by a sense of duty and honor, that they were willing to face death’s doorway,” Martin said.

In his comments, he described freedom as the heart of America and our soldiers’ sacrifices to defend it as valiant.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Representative Stephanie Borowicz introduces herself to a group of boy scouts attending the Veterans Park Rededication on Veterans Day.

“America can never fully repay our veterans,” he said, which he noted is why Veterans Day is so important.

He concluded by reflecting on Winston Churchill’s famous quote, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few,” and how, now more than ever, it resonates with our nation’s veterans.

The final speaker, General Maureen Weigel from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, described the gathering as a “beautiful display of patriotism, pride and community.”

“Today, people are gathering all around the country to do this, but honestly, I don’t think it is as impressive as this display today,” Weigel said.

She said the park should serve as a place to express gratitude to those who have served over the past 250 years, educate the public on the importance of service and foster camaraderie among local veterans.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Veterans from the Iraq War and Operation Iraqi Freedom in attendance at Monday’s Veterans Park Rededication are recognized for their service during the unveiling of the tribute wall.

“Today is about sharing the stories of service,” she said. “I hope you feel confident to share your stories as hard as they may be, or as simple as they may be. You’re an example for so many fellow generations. You are what makes our wonderful country as great as it is.”

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of new monuments. Local veterans revealed the tribute wall, which features panels for every major US conflict, including the American Revolution, the American Civil War, World War I, World War II (European and Pacific Theatres), the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf/Desert Storm, the Afghanistan War/Enduring Freedom and the Iraq War/Iraqi Freedom. A final panel honors fallen veterans, reading

“All gave some — some gave all.”

According to Harger, the artwork was designed in Pittsburgh using steel donated by Faber Fabrication, while Brownie’s Signs in Lock Haven contributed additional pieces, including signage.

At the far end of the park is a soldier’s bust, designed by Gary Casteel, of Gettysburg, a two-tour Vietnam veteran. The sculpture, which includes features common to soldiers from every era of American history, represents the lives of the countless soldiers lost defending the country.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Retired U.S. Army 1st Sergeant David Harger and a volunteer help unveil the Veterans Park tribute wall.

The park’s former monuments were rehomed to various sites throughout Clinton County, including the courthouse and the Clinton County Government building along Piper Way.

According to Harger, an additional monument featuring a fountain and “eternal” flame will be constructed once enough money is raised to afford it. Those interested in donating to the additional piece to the park should contact Brooke at brookestover@hargerutility.com to learn more.

To close the ceremony, Rep. Stephanie Borowicz gave the benediction, followed by Taps performed by Colonel Tom Motel. A reception at VFW Post 1630 in Lock Haven followed, where guests enjoyed light refreshments.

Special thanks go out to all those who made the new and improved Veterans Park possible, including:

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dave Harger; Steve Getz; Jim Lovette; Jim Hanna; Jim Russo; Jen Hagaman; Dave Grimm and Joby Topper.

VOLUNTEERS

Dave Harger; Jim Russo; Steve Getz; John Hoy III; Butch and Jenn Long; Jeff Confer; Brian St. John; Billy Edwards; Jeff Shortledge; Eric Hoover; Matt Crawford; Rob Reem; Central Mountain Benches; Fred Hoy; Carter Perry; Caroline Owens; Michael McCullough; Robbie Andrews; Rick Marcinkevage; Brooke Stover; Cody Myers; Ed Schnars; Shawn Wells; Jim Hanna; Kevin Bletz; Steve and Amy Kowatch; Eric and Vicky Moon; Colman’s Landscaping-Adam and Christopher; Lenny Long; Stephen Gibson and Andrew Knoll.

SPONSORS

Bitner Bechdel Post 623; Harger Utility Contractors, Inc.; Harger Utility Charity, Inc.; Terrapin Care Station; VetForce, Inc.; Russo Family Trust; St. John Masonry; Faber Fabrications; First Quality; Jim and Carol Hanna; Ron and Abby Pete; Bridge 2 Bridge Run 2022; Grant and Jeanne Miller; Bridge 2 Bridge Run 2023; Sons of Italy; Carl E. and Linda M. Litz; Northwest Bank; WSQV 92.1; Action Equipment; 198 Shamrock Bar and Grill; VFW Motorcycle Club; Lock Haven Moose; Adam Baumunk-Hilti; Richard and JoAnn Marcinkevage; Kenneth and Karen Shadle; Keith and Shirly Stein; James and Judy Lovette; Bo and Jen Hagaman; West Company; VFW Post 1630; Loretta and Robert Coltrane; Bill’s Happy CAmper; Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association; Jerry Winner; Allison Township General Fund; Lock Haven Kiwanis; Brigandi, Gleghorn and Haffley, LLC; Grey Fox Plaza; Karen Lovette and Ralph Lovette; Patrick and Susan Lovette; Jerry and Jere Hoy; Lenny and Maribeth Long; Michael Haffley; Rose Ann McHenry-In Memory of David Collins; Clinton County Memorials; Andrew Knoll; Bekon Call Electric and Central Mountain Lady Wildcats Basketball.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS General Maureen Weigel from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs described the gathering as a “beautiful display of patriotism, pride and community.”