Veterans Memorial Park in Parma, Ohio was created in 1956 as a place to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans, providing a site for remembrance, reflection, and community ceremonies.
It was originally known as State Road Park. Its creation was motivated by the desire to provide public recognition and memorialization for fallen service members, ensuring their sacrifices would be remembered across generations. The park’s first monuments, including the original Memorial Walls, commemorated fallen personnel from World War II and the Korean War.
Over time, additional markers and monuments have been added, including commemorations for Vietnam War veterans, Gulf War participants, and other military contributions, highlighting the ongoing commitment to honor all branches of service.
There is a special seat reserved for POW-MIA that says “You are not Forgotten.”
On September 25, 2026 a Marker was unveiled honoring Medal of Honor hero Frank Herda. See the marker and ceremony for Frank Herda.
The park includes a variety of monuments and markers that memorialize both historical and contemporary military service, ensuring that veterans from different conflicts are recognized. Events such as historical marker unveilings and dedications for local heroes foster community involvement and strengthen connections between residents and the legacy of service.
The Park also has monuments with the Presidential Seal, Seal of Ohio, POW-MIA Memorial and Merchant Marines. Above each monument, the respective flag flies.
The park serves as a place of reflection, education, and civic engagement. Veterans Memorial Park hosts ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, allowing community members to formally pay respects to service members, while also offering a setting for individual remembrance.
