Monday, July 15, 2013

Callery Park

Before the Vietnam War there was a park in the Highlands section of Lowell called Highland Park. It is surrounded by Stevens, Parker, B and Wilder Streets. There are baseball and softball fields along with tennis courts.

Callery Park via Google Maps

On May 22, 1966 Callery Park was dedicated in the memory of PFC William T. Callery. An impressive dedication ceremony was held and Governor Volpe attended.




William T. Callery lived nearby on Parker Street. I would imagine that he would walk over to the park with his buddies and play baseball. He graduated from Lowell High School Class of 1963. At the age of 20 he was killed in action in Vietnam on February 22, 1966. He was in the U.S. Army attached to Company A 2nd Battalion 18th Infantry Division. He was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Francis Callery, two brothers, two sisters and two grandmothers. He is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery.

So today when the children play at Callery Park I hope they and their parents remember the great sacrifice William T. Callery made. We must not forget.