| Notes |
- Medina July 8, 1970-
A flag flew at half staff here for 15 minutes Tuesday evening. Then is was raised to full staff, lowered and presented to Mrs. Rodney Armitage as a park was dedicated in honor of her son Thomas, first Medina serviceman to die in the Vietnam war.
In remembrance of Thomas Armitage we hereby dedicate this park a speaker said. This park is enshrined for those with whom Thomas Armitage lived and for whom he died, a priest added.
In memorial of Pfc. Thomas Leon Armitage 2438951. Killed in action on Feb.12, 1969. For Love of God and Country the plaque read.
County side nearby:
Birds chipped in the brush across Outagamie Trunk M. The countryside never is far away in this unincorporated community about 10 miles east of Appleton.
A relative of the soldier clenched her lips tightly, trying hard not to cry.
I knew him since he was just a little boy recalled Elmer Thorson, President of Dale-Medina- Readfield Lions Club. The group arranged the ceremony and provided the plaque and stand.
Many others in the crowd knew Thomas Armitage too.
He had grown up among them, graduating from New London High school in 1967 and enlisting in the Marine Corps.
Perhaps half of this community of about 175 persons were gathered to listen to the works about the boy and man they had known.
Thomas Armitage gave the last full measure of devotion to the principles of liberty and devotion, the Rev. Martin H. Vosbeek said.
Cars roared by on U.S. 10, slowing for the speed zone but probably not all the way down to 35 mph
True patriotism is expressed not only in words, but also in deeds, Father Vosbeek said.
The sun went under the clouds momentarily. It had broken through minutes before the ceremony after rain had pelted the area.
RECEIVED IS GIVING
For it is a giving that we receive. the priest said, quoting the prayer for peace of St. Francis of Assisi, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
A young bugler blew Taps as the flag was raised by two Marines to the top of the pool. Handkerchiefs covered the noses of more than one woman, while men looked at the ground or the flag as it descended.
They stood around in groups after the ceremony and talked. The photographer from a local weekly newspaper posed a picture in front of the plaque.
Childen playing on the playground equipment, provided by the Town of Dale. The park is the first playground for the children of Medina.
A baseball diamond at the far end of the two acre plot donated by the Armitage family in memory of their son rest quietly.
Several girls tried to slide, but gave it up as too wet while their mothers talked. A big sister pushed her smaller brother and sister on a swinging bench.
Armitage Memorial Park had been officially dedicated due to the efforts of Loins, Donald ND Vernon Truesdale, Franklin Range and William Schroeder of the Town of Dale recreation committee.
The flagpole, donated by Mrs. Margaret Haase, awaited another flag so that the Stars and Stripes may always wave over Armitage Park.
Several small sapling relied on wooden supports as they slowly grew in the July dusk.
Birds twilled in nearby fields. and the sun continued to sink with an escort of clouds in the west.
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1948 - 1969 (20 years)
