Honouring Veterans with the Launch of Markham's Veteran Park Program

at the Dedication of McCowan (Mac) Freeman Park)

Markham.ca
July 29, 2019

On Saturday, July 27, the City of Markham officially launched the Veteran Park Program, which recognizes all Markham Parks named after veterans with a poppy on the park sign. Markham continues to lead while remembering - the City's motto - by honouring the services of Canada's veterans. 

McCowan (Mac) Freeman Park, located in Cornell in Markham, is the first of 28 parks that is being recognized in 2019 with the poppy. The park is named after Alexander McCowan Freeman, or Mac as he was known by family and friends, who joined the Royal Armed Forces (RAF) to fight during WWII. As a Warrant Officer Second Class, Mac was a Bomb Aimer serving with 630 Royal Air Force Squadron. His fighter bomber was among 863 that left England for a mission in Stuttgart, Germany. After a fierce air battle on March 16, 1944, several RAF planes were lost, including that of Mac Freeman. 

Mac's family were longtime farmers and members of the Markham and Scarborough community, lending their family name to McCowan Avenue.

“Mac is among the many brave men and women who valiantly fought for our freedom,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “By placing poppies on parks named after veterans, we are continuing to show our deep admiration, respect and gratitude. We hope that when people see the poppy, they will reflect on an important chapter in Canadian history and remember our heroes who sacrificed so we would enjoy the many blessings we have today.”

The park also features a pergola with benches, a play structure and shaded trees for picnicking. There is also a newly planted Tulip Tree - one of the tallest and most interesting native trees to Ontario - in the park, which was planted as part of Markham's Trees for Tomorrow Program to mark this event. This program aims to increase and diversify Markham's urban canopy. The seeds of the Tulip Tree are favourites for birds, squirrels and other wildlife.