CLINTON COUNTY, Pa. — Army veteran David Harger says the idea for a veterans park in Lock Haven began seven years ago, "This came up out of a conversation in 2017 with Terrapin, which is actually a medical marijuana company, and when they got their license, they said I'll give you 25,000 to start it."
With a donation in hand, Harger, who leads Harger Utility Charities, an organization that raises funds to help veterans in need, began working to give vets what he says they deserve.
On this Veterans Day, the park that was once a dream opened.
"The biggest thing for me was the veterans and their reaction to each individual plaque that we unveiled. And that's just amazing that that for me is the prize to see the joy and gratitude in their face," said Harger.
A series of plaques and pictures recognizes the wars and conflicts in which American soldiers served vets like Ken Shadle, who served in Vietnam.
"It's humbling. It's really, Dave did a great job on, uh, everything here. He covered all the wars, and it's just, it's great," said Ken Shadle, Vietnam Veteran, Lock Haven U.S. Army.
"Very, very moving. I really enjoyed the speakers that I could hear. Uh, but it's what it is, you know, and I had three others served besides myself in my family. I had a sister, two brothers, and myself, and a lot of times we don't like to say thanks to each other, but this time it's ok." said Ed Summerson, USMC Veteran.
Harger says the park isn't finished. He's hoping to get more money to add a fountain.
"It's just amazing that all the community comes out for veterans in Clinton County. They support him throughout the year. Dave Harger always has a charity shoot, and Clinton County always donates, and all the people, it's just like a giant community here that reaches out to each OF the veterans," said David Ruhf, U.S. Army veteran.
A place for veterans, their family, and friends to remember their service to the country.