County of Park: Ralls County
Location of Park: MO-19, S. East St. & E. Ely St., Center
This Park Donated by Wayne and Virginia Huse
Date of Memorial: 1973
"Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:52:10 GMT — About 600 people live in Center, Missouri, and some people there tell KHQA most of the citizens have no idea there's a Veteran's Memorial Park.
"One family knows it's there and wants to let everyone else know too.
"That family is embarking on a makeover session for the park, but it needs your help.
"Just on the cusp of Center Missouri sets Harry Anderson Memorial Park. Anderson was a soldier in World War One, and had this park dedicated to him in 1973. It was kept up by the local VFW, but years ago that organization disbanded, and the park was turned over to the city. The city couldn't afford to keep the memorial up the way some think it should, so Laura Hummel decided to do something about it. She lives right behind the memorial and this summer she and her husband started mowing the park. It wasn't long until Hummel got the idea to give the park a makeover.
'"One of the seniors out at Mark Twain High School, Caleb Jameson, is going to build seven new crosses for us. We're going to put a new eternal flame up," says Hummel.
"Hummel says she'd like to have all the branches of the service represented on the flag poles. State Representative Rachel Bringer has already promised a new American and Missouri flag for the park. Plans include a POW MIA flag, flowers, and benches.
'"I have a heart for it because my dad is a veteran. He was in Vietnam. I really feel like this is something that needs to be done," says Hummel.
"And her dad is right behind her on the project. Not only does he support it, but he wants other veterans to come help out.
'"It's sad. There's a lot of veterans around here. We've gotten together and talked and we've expressed how sad we are that this is rundown so much," says Roger Huff.
"Roger Huff remembers when there were actually services here on Veteran's Day. He'd like to bring that back. He says there may be a small gathering this Veteran's Day, but before things get too big, there's a lot of work to be done. Part of that is fixing the foundation of the monument.
'"It's all broke up. We're gonna get that out of here. Hopefully we'll put some plastic down and fill it up with pea gravel and put plants in there. Seasonal flowers for every season of the year," says Huff.
"The seven crosses that will be built will represent all the wars going back to World War One...when the park's namesake Harry Anderson served in the U.S. Army.
"There are many ways you can help breathe new life into this park.
"If you can donate some time, money, or anything else, you can contact Laura Hummel at 573-267-3945 or you can mail a check to 206 S. East Street, Center, MO 63436" ~ KHQA, abc channel 7