A hero’s legacy lives on. Here in Captain John McKenna IV Park. This peaceful green space. It honors a remarkable man. Captain John McKenna IV gave his life for his country. He served with distinction. In the US Marine Corps and the New York State Police.
Captain John McKenna IV Park sits where East 5th and Vanderbilt Streets meet. In the heart of Windsor Terrace Brooklyn. It was once an unnamed area. Eagle Scouts transformed this space. They cleaned and beautified it. Now it’s a tribute. A testament to Captain McKenna’s unwavering dedication. To service and sacrifice.
Captain McKenna was born on St Patrick’s Day 1976. He grew up on East 2nd Street. He attended local schools. Immaculate Heart of Mary Grammar School and Bishop Ford High School. He was an Eagle Scout in Troop 14. After graduating from Binghamton University. He joined the Marines in 1998. He rose to the rank of Captain. He served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He received numerous honors. Including the Silver Star and a Purple Heart.
Despite his distinguished military career. Captain McKenna yearned to be closer to his family and friends. He became a New York State Trooper in 2005. He continued to serve as a Marine Corps Reserve Officer. In 2006 his unit was called back to Iraq. Even after prior deployments. Captain McKenna insisted on going. He was killed in action in Fallujah on August 16 2006. He died saving Lance Corporal Michael Glover. During an ambush.
Captain McKenna’s funeral was the largest in the history of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Hundreds attended. Family friends neighbors colleagues. They mourned the loss of this beloved local hero. His father John McKenna III remembered his son. He described his son as a man. Who lived life to the fullest. Helping others. Holding on to his faith his family his friends. He exemplified Lincoln’s words. “With malice toward none with charity for all”.
Today Captain John McKenna IV Park serves as a poignant reminder. Of Captain McKenna’s ultimate sacrifice. It’s a place for reflection. A symbol of hope and inspiration. To the community the borough the city. And to all Americans. Come sit on a bench. Reflect on the life of this extraordinary man. Remember the sacrifices of our warriors. Our police troopers firefighters. And all those who serve. We owe them our gratitude our respect our remembrance.