By Editorial
 Photo by Monique Schoenfeld, Town Crier |
Los Altos has a unique opportunity to make a prompt and lasting expression of this community’s genuine pride in our national heritage and our awareness of the freedoms that Americans have fought to preserve.
At the Los Altos city council meeting Sept. 25, the council drafted an eloquent proclamation of compassion and concern to be sent to the citizens of New York. At the same meeting Councilwoman Kris Casto introduced the possibility of renaming Conner Park, across from city hall, Freedom Park.
We support the concept 100 percent. And we hope that all Los Altos citizens will support it, too.
First of all, the name Freedom Park sets an inspirational and enduring tone for all community relationships, one of gratitude, humility and trust.
Secondly, the Glenda Goodacre sculpture of the children playing in the park is a perfect expression of freedom. With the recent addition of lighting on the sculpture at night, it signifies hope and joy and freedom of expression. Now, more than ever, we need to remind our children and grandchildren that even though they face a mysterious new world and that freedom may not come as easily to them as it has the past decades of American life, freedom must be cherished and pursued at all costs.
Finally, Freedom Park will be a perfect place to hold patriotic and community gatherings. A flagpole lighted 24 hours daily could be installed in the center of the park and the grounds regroomed with more lawn area for events.
At minimal cost and with lasting impact for the future, the city should act now. We encourage readers who support this idea to send an e-mail to Mayor King Lear at king@los-altos.org or a fax to the city at 941-7419. Residents are also encouraged to speak up in person at the public input portion of the council meeting shortly after 7 p.m., next Tuesday.
We believe renaming this important community landmark to Freedom Park will be done with the grace and dignity the new name symbolizes.
Let us demonstrate to the world that Los Altos cherishes freedom. And knows where it comes from!
