Memorial Park open year-round to honor veterans
A recent article in The Mercury listed several places to go over Memorial Day weekend to honor our veterans, but the one closest to Pottstown was left out. Memorial Park, located off King and Manatawny streets, is a beautiful place to visit any time to reflect on those local men and women who have served or are serving our country.
Located a short walk behind the athletic fields and across the creek, is a hidden treasure ... the area that gives the park it’s name.
In addition to the magnificent monuments, there are four lovely garden areas to visit — all of them designed, planted and maintained by the Pottstown Area Garden Club.
The Blue Star Garden was established in 2008 as part of the National Garden Club’s nationwide program to place brass plaques across the USA honoring all men and women who had served, were serving, or would serve in the armed forces. Since World War II, the Blue Star symbol has been displayed in homes and businesses in recognition of sons and daughters who are/ have been in active service. This garden contains roses, hydrangeas, perennials, and an anonymous gift of a crepe myrtle given in memory of a loved one.
The Bandstand Garden is a reclaimed area adjacent to the bandstand and contains red, white, and blue blooming perennials and shrubs including hydrangea, roses, coneflowers, daisies, coral bells, and much more.
The Gold Star Memorial is a small garden located near the pagoda behind the bandstand. It is in honor of mothers who have sacrificed a loved one for our freedom. Surrounding a beautiful granite tribute are lilies, salvia, lambs ear, and sedum.
The Vietnam Memorial, one of most beautiful and extensive areas in Memorial Park, is a tribute to those who served in Vietnam. It was designed and financed by the local chapter of Vietnam veterans. It has wandering shaded paths, which incorporates bricks with the engraved names of local servicemen and women, memorial trees, a lovely pagoda popular for wedding pictures, magnificent bronze statue of a kneeling soldier, and a new flagpole garden planted this year. Continuing the patriotic theme of red, white and blue plants this area contains azaleas, daisies, coral bells, salvia, fescue and much more.