Nahant holds re-dedication ceremony for Davis Park

NAHANT – The biting wind did not stop a crowd of area residents from gathering at East Point in Nahant Thursday morning for the re-dedication of Davis Memorial Park, in honor of Nahant native Cpl. Richard A. Davis.Davis was killed in action in Vietnam on July 6, 1967.A new flagpole dedicated by resident Mark Irving stands tall and proud waving a memorial point flag to represent all fallen soldiers but also as a tribute to the Davis family.A memorial boulder with a dedication plaque is located at the intersection of Swallow Cave and Nahant Road and was refurbished with the help of David DeFilippo, owner of Woodlawn Memorials in Everett, and John Sullivan of Solimine Funeral Home, who volunteered to restore the plaque at no cost to the town.Davis’ sister Gail Davis believes the “breathtaking” location of the memorial is appropriate to honor the memory of her brother.”It’s very special that the town would do this,” she said. “This has always been a beautiful park and we are extremely grateful for what everyone has done to create this memorial in honor of my brother.”Selectman Richard Lombard, also a Vietnam veteran, presented Davis’ siblings Gail Davis and Peter Davis with an American flag honoring their late brother.”Corporal Davis is someone we will never, ever forget,” said Lombard. “We are forever grateful for his brave and patriotic duty and would like to commemorate Davis and all of those who have given their all to this country.”Following the re-dedication was a memorial service at Greenlawn Cemetery on Nahant Road and a brief ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Nahant.