[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 117 (Monday, July 10, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    McFARLAN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the McFarlan 
Veterans Memorial Park located in Flint, MI, in Genesee County. The 
stewards of this historic landmark, ``The Friends of McFarlan Park,'' 
incorporated in 2011 and forged a formal agreement with the city of 
Flint authorizing the organization to preserve and manage the park. 
Developing a master plan to renovate and update the facility, 
volunteers spent years fundraising, reaching their goal in 2022 
allowing the park's renovation to begin. It is a privilege and honor to 
recognize the completion of this historic project and commemorate the 
formal rededication of the park on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
  In 1875, the park was purchased for $3,700, becoming the first park 
owned by the city of Flint and named for lumber baron, farmer, and 
Flint mayor Alexander McFarlan who donated and oversaw the installation 
of a water fountain on the property. In 1951, the park was designated 
as Genesee County's official war memorial, erecting a historical stone 
marker with the following inscription, ``FOREVER HONORING ALL THE MEN 
AND WOMEN OF GENESEE COUNTY WHO SERVED IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE 
UNITED STATES IN TIME OF WAR DEDICATED MAY 30, 1951.''
  In 1968, the park erected memorial columns which now contain the 
names of thousands of Genesee County military veterans who paid the 
ultimate sacrifice to our country from the Civil War to present day. In 
1969, the Flint Council of the American Legion installed and dedicated 
a key landmark known within the park, an eternal burning flame which 
features a commemorative plaque signifying it as a ``Flame of 
Freedom.'' On July 21, 1975, the McFarlan Veterans Memorial Park 
celebrated its centennial, adding a new marker in place of the 
ornamental fountain that once stood in the park gifted by its namesake, 
Alexander McFarlan. The marker now serves as a celebration of the 
park's 100 years of existence and the community growth throughout this 
time. On the back side, a commemorative plaque was installed in 2005 
noting its sesquicentennial celebration and funding provided by the 
Ruth Mott Foundation, which provided new landscaping. The most recent 
commemorative addition features recognition of K9 service dogs who 
serve in the U.S. military and was gifted by Roberta Gramer in honor of 
her son, Navy veteran and Friend of McFarlan Park board member William 
Dennis Gramer, 1944-2023.
  Located in the heart of downtown Flint, the McFarlan Veteran Memorial 
Park has continued to thoughtfully remind us that our freedom is not 
free, recognize our Armed Service members, is home to annual Veterans 
Day and Memorial Day ceremonies, and inspires community pride through 
Earth Day cleanups and more.
  I cannot understate the impact that McFarlan Veterans Memorial Park 
has had on the generations of citizens who call the city of Flint and 
Genesee County home. A pillar of strength and a solemn place to honor 
and mourn the loss of a loved one, this historical monument is the 
embodiment of the leadership throughout this community and the 
generosity of ongoing monetary support to honor our history. I ask you 
to join me in recognizing and celebrating the rededication of this 148-
year-old historic memorial and the Friends of McFarlan Park for 
renewing their commitment to ``Remember all those who have fallen, 
remember those who are no longer with us, and never forget that freedom 
is not free.''

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