Renaming Wales park in sergeants' honor

WALES, N.Y.(WIVB) - Residents of Wales will notice a new sign this weekend at Hunter's Creek Park where family and friends of Sergeant Mark Rademacher gathered for the renaming of the park in their brother's honor.

The sergeant's sister, Jane Rademacher says, "We are very honored to have such a beautiful park named in memory of out brother."

John Carlone, a Wales resident says, "I have to thank my wife, because my wife spearheaded this campaign initially and brought it to the attention of Executive and other people in the county. I think the Rademacher has a lot to be proud of: their son, their brother was a real hero."

The local sergeant served in the U.S. Army from 1981 until 1983 where he was killed during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada which was a rescue mission for American medical students.

The park was originally renamed back in 1983, but not until residents brought it to the attention of Mark Poloncarz was it officially renamed.

"We had to go in there and look at it. We actually went back through files working with our friends in the legislature and we were able to determine that the park was renamed, but nothing was done thereafter," said Poloncarz.

Hunter's Creek is 700 acres of natural land that is used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Rademacher spent a lot of time at the park alone and with friends during his high school years.

His brother, also a veteran, wrote some words which were read by the sergeant's sister Jane.
In honor of their brother, She reads, "Just get me back there and it will all be worth it. But, if I don't get back, don't let them forget me. So, in this park over the years and years to come, as trees grow older and the creek wears deeper into the stone banks, stop in the quiet just for a moment now and then and remember."

The park will now be called "Sgt. Mark A. Rademacher Memorial Park."