Recently, two residents from the local American Legion urged you to take down the recently erected sign at Walter T Maahs Park., arguing it was inappropriate to name a park after him as he was not a veteran killed in the line of duty. While it's very important to honor our fallen veterans, we believe their statements were not driven by reality in our town, nor do they speak for the majority of residents. Beyond the fact that there are other parks and lands in Moorestown named for those other than veterans (Yancy Adams Park, Maple Dawson Park, Stokes Hill, Esther Yanai Preserve are a few that come to mind), Mr. Maahs was himself a veteran and so much more.
Here are the facts about Walter Maahs' life and service to our town and nation:
- Mr. Maahs dedicated his life to Moorestown in many ways, and was himself a World War II veteran who was present during the storming of Normandy.
- Mr. Maahs was a 63-year life member of Lenola Volunteer Fire Company Station 313 and a founder and life member of Lenola EMS Station 318, serving as captain from 1960 to 1970.
- Mr. Maahs was named Citizen of the Year in 1998
- Mr. Maahs served on Township Council from 1977 until 1996, and was Mayor from 1988 until 1996. During that time, he was instrumental in the construction of this park, the Lenola Ballfields.
- Mr. Maahs was a member of the Moorestown Rotary Club, a member of Knights of Columbus, and a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.
For the above reasons, we, the signers of this petition, urge you to maintain the name of Walter T Maahs Park in honor of a man who dedicated his life to service of the United States and to Moorestown.
