Author: Manuel F. Simoes

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

From Gloucester Daily Times:

“

To the editor:

It was pleasing to watch Edward S. Parks Jr. receive official accolades from the city of Gloucester last Saturday morning for his service to his hometown.

At the unveiling of a harbor-side bench in Ed Parks’ honor, Councilor Bob Whynott did a nice job of outlining the career and successes of Ed Parks that included the creation of Gloucester’s watershed and the revitalization of Stage Fort Park of which the latter has now become a major revenue source for the city.

Ed Parks’ successes in life reach much further than the city of Gloucester. Mr. Parks was a graduate of Gloucester’s JROTC program and went on to The Citadel, the distinguished military school.

After college, Mr. Parks commenced a decorated 22-year career in the Army that included two tours in Vietnam. Some of his honors include two Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

As his nephew, I’ve been blessed to experience Mr. Parks’ life outside of duties of public service. From a young age, he taught me a “no tolerance” policy for laziness and dishonesty while instilling the value of education enhanced by diligence and thrift.

Gloucester is a much better place for the impact that Mr. Parks has made on hundreds of summer workers who, despite their blistered hands and aching backs, know what it means to serve with honor.

MERIT McINTYRE”