Town of New Whiteland

Proctor Memorial Park Dedication Ceremony - May 3, 2008

Proctor Memorial Park was formally dedicated on May 3, 2008 the 2^nd anniversary of the heroic death of Sgt. Joseph E. Proctor. A grateful community came together under sunny skies to honor not only Sgt. Proctor but all of our Veterans and Hometown Heroes.

We were honored to have Major General R. Martin Umbarger as our keynote speaker. He shared many insights about Joey's service to our country and about the sacrifices made by all of our military personnel. MG Umbarger has dedicated his life to military service and he has been a true friend to the Proctor family since Joey's passing.

Senator Richard G. Lugar, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels all sent letters to be read during the ceremony. Thank you to Patti Wade, Sue Galloway and Tom Bland for reading those letters. Thank you as well to Vicky Moss & David Proctor, Joe's sister and brother for sharing with us as well.

The VFW Color Guard honored us by presenting the colors, providing a 21 gun salute and playing taps. They also presented Joe's parents with a flag during the ceremony.

Our Pledge of Allegiance was led by several members of area Scout groups and Kelsey Ferguson, a junior at WCHS played our National Anthem. It was a glorious day!

Below are a few of the remarks that were shared at that ceremony.

"I was recently given a definition of the word Veteran. It reads; A "Veteran" - whether on active duty, discharged, retired or a reservist - is someone who at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to and including their life. Two years ago today one of our own was called upon to pay that ultimate price.

Sgt. Joseph E. Proctor willingly placed himself in harm's way on May 3^rd, 2006 when a dump truck loaded with 350 pounds of explosives breached the wall at the compound where he and numerous other soldiers were stationed. Sgt. Proctor stood between his comrades and the enemy vehicle and fired his weapon striking and killing the driver. Unfortunately, when the truck rolled to a stop, short of the barracks where our brave soldiers lay sleeping, the vehicle detonated killing Sgt. Proctor. Standing tall that day, Joey Proctor once again put others first and unselfishly gave his life to save so many others.

His actions that fateful day, have inspired a community to come together to build a monument reminding all that good conquers evil, as proven by Joey's heroism that day in Iraq. From the evil event that claimed his life a vision was born to create a tribute to not only Sgt. Proctor but every man and woman who has raised their hand to take an oath to serve and protect our freedom, our communities and our nation. From the ashes of that explosion comes our phoenix - Proctor Memorial Park. The defining moments of our lives are not determined by the evil done to us, but by our response through the grace and power of God. Joey Proctor's life may have ended that day in Iraq but his spirit lives on in the lives of those who knew and loved him and in this park. Today, while we remember and mourn his sacrifice we celebrate his life and honor him as the hero that he was and will always be.

This park is a small but sincere means of thanking all of our Military personnel, those who have served and those currently serving. This park is a tribute to all Veteran's; those living and deceased. We would also like to thank the families of these brave men and women and honor each of you as well for your sacrifices as you are called upon to face separation from your loved ones. There is no greater country in the world than this the United States of America. We are so blessed to call this home and we are forever in your debt for willingly defending our freedom, protecting our borders and keeping us safe.

We would also like to thank all of our Hometown Heroes; those men and women who serve and protect our communities as police officers, firefighters and emergency responders. These are the brave men and women who rush into danger when others are running out. These public servants sacrifice on a daily basis as well as they put our needs before those of themselves and their families. For all of the missed holidays, family celebrations, school events and more, a grateful community says thank you."

Please bring your family to Proctor Park - spend some time reflecting on the heroes that live right next door. Watch with us as the seed that has been planted begins to grow. If you have not yet purchased a brick to honor your loved one in this amazing park, it is not too late. Proctor Park is and always will be a work in progress. Thank you for your part in making the Proctor Park vision the reality it is today.

Browse through pictures of the event: