Proposed changes at Memorial Park are once again in the news. Without a doubt anything that affects the park has been a hot topic throughout my life.

Veterans jealously guard the nature of its use and rightly so. After World War I, World War II and Korea virtually all men had served in the armed forces and the park stood as a place to honor their service, and remember those who never returned.

These days very few have served, and the sacrifices that military service involves is invisible to all but those in their 60s and beyond.

Regardless of its official or legal status, generations of city residents have considered it and consecrated it as hallowed ground. That should be at the forefront of any discussion. Some veterans believe that there are World War I soldiers buried there. I doubt it, but it is a perception that must be addressed.

In the center of the park, I remember the largest one piece wooden flagpole in the world which sat upon the base of the World War I memorial. That had to be taken down after a few local boys tried to see it down one night. They got half way through it but sirens quickly scared them off. The city finished the job as it was in an unsafe condition.

Then several years ago someone decided that it would be a good idea to erect a pressure treated 4 by 4 post at the entrance and call it a peace pole. Everyone cherishes peace, but veterans recognized it for what it was, a slap in the face to their service, and to all who had served and died.

Part of the park was quietly encroached upon when the water tower was relocated. I do not recall any discussion of that project or public input. I was told by a city official that the location of the tower was dictated by “homeland security” requirements.

As someone who has been quite involved in homeland security for many years I evaluate that reason as baloney. They snuck that one by us. (And as an aside, why do 40% of the handicap parking spots in the entire downtown area exist in a gravel parking lot by the water tower fence? These are in a gravel lot in violation of ADA rules, and far from any attraction.)

The tower is what it is now, but that encroachment should never be allowed to occur again. Now, someone with a big idea has proposed erecting a permanent stage and amphitheater at the north east end of the park to listen to music four times a year.

Veterans are rightly concerned. All residents should be concerned. The city is in dire financial condition and is not happy about the huge property tax increase last year. Even if the state paid for the entire project all should wonder why the state would spend money on a luxury instead of plugging the holes in our sinking municipal ship Dunkirk.

If the state wants to spend money, how about replacing the aging seawall? Music belongs on the Pier and those businesses depend on that crowd.

“Business District’ banners hang from light poles on Central Avenue advertising failure. Veterans wonder why the hero banners are not allowed on those poles. Actions are indeed louder than words. Thanking us for our service, or those words spoken briefly at the annual Memorial Day service ring a bit hollow when it would be so easy to put up the banners downtown. Now further encroachment honoring our veterans is being proposed.

Our waterfront is all we have left. We must be very cautious about screwing up our narrow strip of what is our remaining bright spot.

Certainly, the park could be improved. The answer is not piecemeal projects that lack a vision for the entire location. How about a comprehensive plan? How about a plan to fully engage the entire veteran community, not just a few of the leaders of our local veteran organizations?

Replace the seawall in a design similar to that in the First Ward. How about bringing back the Neptune statue and making that the centerpiece of the west end. Put down nice curbed walkways and gardens.

Yes, have paved parking along the fence and then a second row opposite so all could conveniently enjoy the park. The centerpiece at the east end could be something celebrating our maritime heritage. Again, centered around pleasant walkways and gardens.

There is a path forward but only if the city fully engages the entire veteran community.

George Burns III is a Fredonia resident who participates annually in the Dunkirk Memorial Day services.