Board member and retired Admiral Steve Glass obtained 501(c)(3) status for the Park’s foundation. He credits the efforts of the board and many Cary volunteers with bringing the Park to fruition.
Veterans’ Freedom Park at 1513 Harrison Parkway in Cary is a symbol of the cost and value of freedom but it is also a story of how a community volunteer effort made an idea become a reality.
The centerpiece of the park is the Freedom Tower which is a soaring public artwork which makes a striking first impression. The park area around the tower is designed with seating for quiet reflection and allows open space for gathering or activities. There is a flag court for memorial services and each branch of the military is represented with a seal. The memorial is meant to honor veterans of all wars.
The project is a testament to volunteer drive and determination and has its roots back as far as 2001 when long-time Cary resident, Dick Ladd, began promoting the idea, formed by local residents and members of the American Legion Post, through speaking engagements of local civic groups. At the time, members of Cary Visual Arts were simultaneously discussing the need for a public art project to honor veterans. By the spring of 2002 a committee was formed with Cary Visual Arts taking a lead role. $100,000 seed money was pledged to the project.
It was a tight community of friends and a very tight knit group of veterans that brought the project to life. Dick Ladd and another Cary resident, Jean Smith co-chaired the board of directors. Midway through the project, Phyllis Moffett became Chair of the Board, giving strong leadership to complete the project. Jim and Ann Goodnight donated the money to purchase the land located across from the Cary Academy…a high visibility spot that gives the memorial its due and ultimately made substantial contributions to the project to meet the financial goals.
Today, the Park stands as not only a memorial to those who have served our country but as a beautiful, artistic addition to the Cary landscape.