FREEDOM PARK:
THE ONLY PARK IN WASHINGTON (AND PERHAPS THE CONTINENTAL US) DEDICATED TO PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS

On December 7, 2002, Brown & Cole Stores, a Bellingham-based regional grocery company, deeded a 3.3 acre parcel of land, located at Terry’s Corner on Camano Island, Washington, to CARE (Camano Association for a Rural Environment).

This parcel of land was dedicated to the veterans of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and all those who serve the cause of peace and freedom.

The park was dedicated on July 4, 2003, to be forever known as Freedom Park. It was noted that day:

“It is during times like this that we realize that freedom takes vigilance and that we owe much to those who have served our country…The young servicemen of Pearl Harbor (who are now old men) went through Hell. After the December 7, 1941 ‘day of infamy’, those who survived went on to fight for their country in often gruesome conditions. Today, as we seek to ensure our country’s security, the experience of those veterans reminds us that freedom and security come at a price. We should be grateful for those who step forward to serve. Their sacrifice allows us to preserve not only our safety, but also our precious liberties.”

The North Cascades Chapter #5, Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, “a living historical treasure and symbol of selfless service in preserving American freedom”, dedicated Freedom Park that day, and continue to support it. A monument installed there includes a large semicircle of graduated steel blocks, a flagpole with a yard arm resembling a ship’s mast and signal, halyards, a large granite slab with a picture of a battleship, the Pearl Harbor survivor logo, and a ship’s bell from the USS Cape Mears, commissioned in 1943, which carried troops in the South Pacific.

Rededication ceremonies have been held annually, attended by Chapter #5 members and survivors from other Northwest chapters, Navy personnel from NAS Whidbey, local and state officials and many area residents. The Chapters members, have their stories posted
on this web page: pearlharborstories.org.

CARE will further develop and maintain the park and its contents, never to be renamed or changed in any way. It is located about 3-1/2 miles west of the Mark W. Clark Bridge, the sole access to Camano Island, in northwest Washington.

Submitted by James Stansell, President, PHSA North Cascades Chapter #5