About the Gardens
Memorial Gardens
The Memorial Gardens at Veterans Park is a beautiful place for a quiet, casual afternoon, remembering and honoring family members and friends who served our country in the uniforms of our military services.
The family park facilities are located at 1955 Elmerton Avenue, across from the Pennsylvania State Police building. Amenities at the park include ball fields and courts, playground equipment, a pavilion with picnic tables and a working kitchen, and restroom facilities.
In 2005, the Susquehanna Township High School Alumni Association made a commitment to honor all veterans who attended STHS or were a resident of the township during their tour of active military duty. The Susquehanna Township Board of Commissioners donated an acre of ground at Veterans Park for the Memorial Gardens.
World War II
The World War II memorial was dedicated May 28, 2007. STHS alumna Caroline Parsons drew the initial sketch for the memorial, which consists of a gray obelisk with black granite panels, reflecting over 850 names of men and women who served our country during the campaign. Brick pavers, available for engraving, lie in front of the memorial.
The committee consisted of Roy Knupp, Chairman, Bob Chapman, Melvin Longenecker, Treasurer, Joel Parson, Homer Pontius, Arlene Prentice, Albert Richwine, and Shirley Kannegieser.
Korean War
A black granite obelisk with a walkway connecting it to the WWII memorial honors our veterans of the Korean War. Dedicated May 31, 2009, the memorial contains over 150 names of men and women who served our country during this campaign.
The committee consisted of Dr. Tom Peck, Co-Chair; Shirley Kannegieser, Co-Chair; Robert Chapman; James Hartman; Clair Hetzel; Bill Reynolds; and Melvin Longenecker, Treasurer.
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War memorial was dedicated November 4, 2017. Sketches by Stephen Morris, a 2014 graduate of STHS, inspired the etchings for the memorial. The white granite obelisk contains the names of over 250 of our veterans.
The committee consists of Richard Fleegal, Carol Carter, Larry Carter, Bill Dale, Dave Funk, Barry Garber, Shirley Kannegieser, Ben Lerew, Charles Lloyd, Gary Lyter, Bill Smith, Harry Stoner, and Richard Veet.
Walkway has been completed
September 16, 2020
The walkway has been completed!
We are happy to announce the walkway surrounding the Vietnam War memorial was completed on September 16, 2020. The completion is due to the generous in-kind contribution of three local companies who believe in recognizing the service of our brave men, women, and their families. Boger Concrete Inc., located in Anville, provided and poured the concrete; Nason Benner of Nason Benner Caulking, located in Mc Alisterville, completed the sealing around the base; and Chris Kenny of Kennyco, who coordinated the work with Richard Veet ’65, and provided the concrete tint. We thank them for their generous gifts.
The Alumni Association extends deep appreciation to all who volunteered their time and their services for the development and construction of the memorials in Memorial Gardens at Veterans Park on Elmerton Avenue in Susquehanna Township.
The Alumni Association Memorial Gardens Committee, chaired by Shirley Kannegieser, devoted many years to the development and construction of the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War memorials. We extend our gratitude to them for their commitment and dedication.
Vietnam War Memorial Committee
November 9, 2020
The shrubs have been planted. The memorial is now complete!
We are thrilled to share that the shrubs have been planted behind the memorial. We are very appreciative of the efforts of Bill Smith who coordinated the completion project. The shrubbery was planted on November 9 just in time for Veterans Day. As with the recently installed walkway, the completion is due in part to the generous in-kind contribution of Tim Wilt of Wilt and Company and Bob Arney of Arney Brothers Inc. Tim assisted with the shrubs and mulch while Bob performed the excavation.
We thank Tim, Bob, and Bill for their generosity.
