Work on the final details for a memorial park in honour of Private David Greenslade is underway in Saint John, a day after the city named a street Bravo Landing after six young soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Greenslade died in Afghanistan on April 8, 2007.
The city is working with the Canadian Forces and other volunteers to create the park, located next to the Millidgeville Ferry Landing.
“I am very excited, very excited, humbled,” says David’s father Donald Greenslade. “He was a character, just loved life, just making people laugh. He was a very happy, happy kid.”
The park has been a long time in the works and Donald says many people are working hard to bring it to life.
“How the community of Saint John came together and all the people involved, Saint John High, building the gate, I am very excited,” says Donald.
Doug Orford lives near the site and is involved in the planning of the park. He says Greenslade was an important part of the community.
“He went to Saint John High, my son went to Saint John High, and I just feel, it’s not only a good thing to do, it is the right thing to do,” says Orford.
Sgt. James Butler was serving in Afghanistan when Greenslade was killed. He says, from a military point of view, community support for the park has been outstanding.
“It has been quite amazing, actually watching the City of Saint John and the planning committee, the public, the general neighbours that live around this area and stuff, coming together to honour the fallen soldiers,” says Butler.
The dedication ceremony will take place on June 1st.
With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell
