Last week, a special dedication ceremony was held at the James C. “Whitey” Stephens Memorial Park in Antis Township.
Local boy scout, Jeffery Stuby Jr., of Bellwood Troop 29 has been working for the past year to refurbish the park as he worked to fulfill his Eagle Scout requirements. Most of the work at the park took place over the summer.
Along with repainting and fixing the existing swings, tables and pavilion, Stuby also added more swings, a sandbox, lights, benches and a new flag and flag pole.
Representatives from both Antis Township and Bellwood Borough attended the ceremony to express their gratitude for Stuby’s work at the park.
Antis Township Supervisor Ray Amato was on hand to present Stuby with a certificate of achievement for reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, along with a letter of recommendation.
Bellwood mayor, James Bonsell, awarded Stuby with a certificate of appreciation for his valuable contribution to the Borough of Bellwood, as well as a citizenship certificate for working toward his Eagle Scout award.
Many members of Stephens family were also on hand for the dedication ceremony.
Stuby spoke to those gathered saying he was happy to have had the opportunity to work at fixing up the park, “Although, it’s not all about the park, it’s also about Lieutenant Stephens who gave his life for this country.”
He also thanked all those who helped with the project including those who donated money and time.
Following the awards presentation, George Stephens, along with Stuby, raised the flag to officially open the park.
Amato said eventually there will also be a state flag added underneath the new American flag.
According to information provided, “Captain James C. Stephens was born in Bellwood, one of 11 children of the late George and Lillian (Miller) Stephens.
“He graduated from Bellwood-Antis High School in 1960, where he was a member of the Blue Devil football team. He graduated from Western Maryland College under the ROTC program in 1964.
“During his senior year he was elected battalion commander of his ROTC unit and held the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Corps. He was cited for Distinguished Military Graduate honors and was selected by the college board for his leadership, moral character, scholastic ability and aptitude for military service, to be commissioned into the regular Army.
“Stephens entered the Army at Ft. Knox, Kentucky in July of 1964 and was sent to Vietnam in August 1966. He was serving with the 11th Cavalry, 3rd Battalion, Troop L, as commanding officer, when he was killed by hostile fire. Surviving at the time were his wife Ida, his mother, father, four sisters and six brothers. He was 25-years-old.
“Stephens is remembered on panel No. 18-E, line 111.”
The “Whitey” Stephens Memorial Park is located along Lock Street, between N. Fourth and N. Fifth Streets in Antis Township.
