New Park Honors Poway Veterans

Hundreds of Powegians made their way to the new Poway Veterans Park Thursday as the city dedicated the space to the locals who served in the armed forces.

Emceed by Councilman Jim Cunningham and guest speakers from the city's Veterans Park Committee, Powegians swarmed the streets surrounding the new park, across from Old Poway Park.

"This is a historic moment of time," Cunningham said. "The dedication of the Poway Veterans Park."

Cunningham also acknowledged Rich Falder and Frank Maynard, local veterans who participated in the creation of the park and who recently passed away.

Poway Veterans Park, which was 15 years in the making, was given a proclamation by Mayor Don Higginson, who thanked the service members for their contributions.

"It is a delight and honor to be here today on behalf of the city of Poway," Higginson said. "It was ingrained in my soul a love for God, for country, but especially the freedom we have."

Higginson said he hoped the park, which is surrounded by seven flagpoles honoring the different sectors of the military, would honor the veterans.

"I hope this will be a place of meditation, celebration and education," he said.

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Attendees at the dedication ceremony, which was followed by additional Veterans Day festivities, also heard from Don Stonecipher.

Stonecipher—a three-time commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7909 and a Veterans Park committee member—said he felt privileged to speak at the dedication.

"We all did what we were asked to do and some did more than others," he said. "This place will be here forever."

Among the estimated 300 attendees was 30-year Poway resident and Korean War Veteran Bob Rizzoti.

Rizzoti, who joined the Navy in 1954 as a 17-year-old, said he attended because he wanted to be a part of the historic dedication. Though he enlisted as a teenager, he never regretted the move.

"I was a confused young man and the Korean War was sort of winding down," he said. "It was a good transition to adulthood, and I'm not sorry I joined the military. I think it's a great thing for a young person."

Mary Jo Stolfuss also attended the dedication to support the Poway veterans.

"This is a good thing," she said.  "It's a good thing for the veterans and it's a small way for the city to say 'thank you.'"

The ceremony was complete with an extravagant parachute show by the Navy's Leap Frog Team, a cannonball shooting, tunes from the San Diego City Guard Band, and the unveiling of the Wall of Honor—tiles purchased by supporters of the veterans and armed forces.