Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Park

Last week, on July 27^th, I joined the Korean War Veterans to honor one of Staten Island’s very own heroes as we renamed New Dorp Beach Park, “Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Park.”

On Sept. 29, 2011, the Parks Department renamed the small park in New Dorp Beach. There were no signs, however, to tell anyone who this man was. Last Friday, the signs were posted and additional plaques were given to Kivlehan’s family.

Cpl. Allan Kivlehan was only 18 years old when he was called to serve in the Korean War. Shortly after arriving in Korea, he was captured, along with many other American soldiers. These prisoners were herded and marched toward North Korea in what became known as the “Tiger Death March.” Over 800 started the march and only 240 lived through captivity. Along the way, Cpl. Kivlehan was killed, but his body was never recovered. This story is now permanently placed on a plaque in "Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Park."

Kivlehan was born and raised in New Dorp Beach, which is what makes this dedication so special. He attended PS 41 in New Dorp and New Dorp High School. He also attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which is located within the park.

The ceremony included politicians, a Parks Department representative, members of the Staten Island Korean community, and, of course, our Korean War Veterans. Though the forecast said rain, the weather definitely held out. It was sunny and hot the entire morning! It’s a good thing, too, because it made the ceremony much more beautiful.

This event was especially important to me because my grandpa was a Korean War Veteran. It was an honor to have taken part in what will surely be a momentous occasion in Staten Island’s history. Just like my grandpa, and the other brave veterans, Cpl. Allan Kivlehan was a Staten Island hero who gave his life for our country and he will forever be remembered and admired by future generations.