A late veterans advocate was honored recently in Leesburg.
Don Van Beck, who died a year ago at age 90, was memorialized earlier this month with the dedication of a Memorial Walk in his name at Veterans Memorial Park near downtown Leesburg.
Van Beck, a veteran himself who served in both World War II and the Korean War, was the driving force behind the renaming of the park and the funding and construction of the Korean, Vietnam and World War II memorials, as well as the Veterans Memorial Wall. He was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in May 2018 in recognition of his tireless service to veterans.
“Mr. Van Beck loved veterans and his work on their behalf was unwavering,” City Manager Al Minner said recently. “Veterans Memorial Park is his legacy to our community and naming the walkway in recognition of his efforts is only fitting and is a great way to honor his life and his dedication to all who have served our country.”
A granite walkway marker that pays tribute to Van Beck was placed in the park in the area of the Memorial Wall. It was unveiled by Van Beck’s wife, Julia, and Mayor Pro-Tem Elise Dennison.
