RUSHFORD – On Thursday, September 29 the AcenTek Foundation presented Veteran’s Memorial Park in Rushford with a $2,500 donation to be used for concrete expenses. The AcenTek Foundation is proud to support this important community project.
The concept and design of Veteran’s Memorial park was inspired by Maynard LaFleur, who felt strongly that the Rushford area needed an outdoor space that honors area veterans. This park is a visual summary of the gratitude felt for the men and women who have sacrificed to serve. Although the park is not yet complete, visiting it is truly a moving experience, as the space is filled with symbolism. In the middle of the park there is a section of artificial turf (from the Minnesota Vikings Metrodome) symbolizing the land (grass) that those serving have fought for. In the concrete you will see impressions of palms, symbolizing the terrain our soldiers ran through during the Vietnam War. Brick pavers with names of area veterans can also be found at the park; their tan appearance symbolic of the sand our soldiers fight in today. The bricks placed at the park are among many sold to help cover the cost of the concrete, with more being added this year and next. Still to come to the park is a replica of a cannon from the Civil War, due to arrive next spring. The plans include the addition of ten war memorials, more brick pavers and additional benches, but more fundraising will need to occur in order for those additions to happen. The AcenTek Foundation is pleased to donate to Veteran’s Memorial Park and commends those individuals who came together to help organize and construct this park to honor area veterans. Maynard LaFleur, co-chair of the project, stated, “There is still so much more to do, and still a lot of financial need, but I so appreciate the way area businesses have stepped up to support this important project. Without those donations, the park would not look the way it does today.”
AcenTek proudly serves southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa and Michigan, providing voice, video and internet solutions to homes and businesses. The Foundation at AcenTek was created five years ago and is funded by the unclaimed capital credits of its coop members. Through an application process, the AcenTek Foundation collects requests for funds from area organizations, then decides which projects will be awarded available funds. In early September, the decision was made to donate to Veteran’s Memorial Park to help with concrete expenses. The AcenTek Foundation is pleased to donate to Veteran’s Memorial Park and commends those individuals who came together to help organize and construct this park to honor area veterans.