GRANITE QUARRY — On June 20, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter and the Children of the American Revolution (CAR) Rowan Resolves, brought local families together for a traditional potluck picnic filled with fellowship, birthday cake, park games and a bubble station for an early 4th of July celebration marking the nation’s historic 250th birthday.
Beyond the holiday festivities, Mayor Brittany Barnhardt also provided an overview presentation of the highly anticipated Veterans Memorial Granite Lake Park project slated to break ground at the park. She shared insights on Cecil Whitley, the visionary behind the proposed special Veterans Memorial project.
After nearly two years of dedicated planning, the project has successfully obtained its official 501(c)(3) non-profit status and has already secured generous donations of pink marble and steel.
Granite Lake Park, located at 500 N. Salisbury Ave., serves as the ideal backdrop for this upcoming tribute. As a central community hub, the park features paved walking trails connected to Centennial Park, a playground, and a scenic one-acre lake complete with two fishing piers and a gazebo.
The park is already deeply rooted in honoring service members as the home of “Taps in the Park.” Organized by Amvets Commander Mark Beaver, John and Tina Kanipe, and veteran bugler Colonel Tom Steele, this monthly Friday evening tradition serves as a heartfelt tribute to active-duty military, veterans, first responders and “Rosie the Riveters” who died in the line of service. During the ceremony, the names of fallen individuals from across the country are read aloud before “Taps” echoes across the open grounds.
With the addition of the new permanent Veterans Memorial, Granite Lake Park will further solidify its role as both a vibrant recreational space and a living sanctuary of remembrance for those who have sacrificed so much.
Members of the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter serve weekly at Christiana Lutheran Church in Granite Quarry to about 150 veterans each Tuesday. Celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday and learning more about the Veterans Memorial becoming part of the Granite Quarry Park enhanced the DAR and CAR chapter’s mission of giving service to historic preservation, education and patriotism.
Patricia Dance is the regent of Elizabeth Maxwell Steele DAR.
