This park was renamed Veterans Park in 2005, in honour of the Year of the Veteran.
City of Port Coquitlam - Veterans Park Dedication:
In honour of the Year of the Veteran, the park in front of City Hall was renamed Veterans Park in November 2005. "It's no coincidence that this permanent tribute to our veterans will be in such a high-profile location - right in front of City Hall,:|" Port Coquitlam Mayor Scott Young said. "We wanted Veterans Park to be front and centre in our community, to serve as constant reminder of our veterans', honour, valour and sacrifice." Mayor Young met with members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 in the summer of 2005 to determine a fitting way for Port Coquitlam to celebrate the Year of the Veteran, which marked the 60th anniversary of the Second World War. The resulting proposal to dedicate Veterans Park was unanimously supported by City Council. "All the veterans I've spoken to are excited about it. They think it's outstanding," Branch 133 President RJ Kent said. "The Royal Canadian Legion and our veterans, in conjunction with City Hall, are ecstatic about the dedication of the park. On behalf of the veterans, I'd like to thank the Mayor, the Councillors and City Hall for making this effort and this gesture in the Year of the Veteran." Veterans Park is already home to Port Coquitlam's cenotaph and as such, plays host to part of the City's annual Remembrance Day ceremonies. It's beautiful landscaping and Shaughnessy Street location also makes it a popular respite for people shopping or doing business in the downtown area. "It pleases me greatly to know that with the dedication of Veterans Park today, generations to come will have a place in our downtown to sit quietly and reflect on what our veterans did for this country and for all of us," Mayor Young said. A dedication plaque has been installed in Veterans Park to commemorate the dedication and the Year of the Veteran. As well, the park's new name will be added to the brick-and-concrete archways at its three entrances.
