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Mayor's Message
On this past July 4th, amid our celebrations of independence and community, we gathered at the Darien Community Park to rededicate a space that holds deep meaning for many of us – the Lions Club Paver Brick Memorial. Established in 1995, this memorial was envisioned as a lasting tribute to family members and fellow Lions who gave their time, their passion, and their hearts to our Darien community. Over the years, the names engraved on these bricks have told the quiet story of service, of friendship, and of love shared across generations.
The idea behind the memorial was simple, yet powerful: to create a permanent place where the memory of those we’ve lost could live on in the heart of the community. Whether they were lifelong Lions Club members or beloved family and friends, each name on a brick represents a life that made a difference. With every step across the patio, visitors are reminded of the values these individuals stood for – compassion, dedication and the belief in service above self.
This year’s rededication ceremony gave us an opportunity not only to remember, but to reaffirm. As we stood together once more, club members, community residents, families and friends, we were reminded of why this memorial matters. It is not only a reflection of the past, but a symbol of our ongoing commitment to the principles that guide our work as Lions and as neighbors.
We are especially grateful to the Darien Park District staff; whose care and creativity made the recent patio redesign possible. Their efforts have helped to preserve the dignity of the space while enhancing its accessibility and visual appeal. Thanks also goes to Lion Tom Papais who shared his landscaping expertise with the Park District staff. Together, their hard work has made the memorial a more inviting and peaceful place that welcomes quiet reflection and invites the next generation to learn about those who came before them.
As we look to the future, we do so with the memory of those honored here in our hearts. Their names may be etched in stone, but their spirit lives on in our lives through the work we do, the lives we touch and the community we continue to build together. The rededication of our brick patio memorial reminds us that honoring the past is not about standing still, its about carrying forward the legacy of service, one step at a time.
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