On May 26, 2013, the Civic Triangle Memorial Park was renamed the Arnold E. Holm Jr. Memorial Park.

Holm was an attendant at Waterford High School and graduated in 1962. He was a memorable athlete and a true friend.  He and his best friend Bill Cavalieri walked past the Duck Pond every day to school.

After graduation, Holm enlisted in the Vietnam War, turning down an athletic scholarship to Springfield College.

Capt. Holms’ scout helicopter was shot down in Central Vietnam on June 11, 1972, leaving him and his crew stranded in the jungle.

Despite the Army’s best of efforts, all attempts to find the remains of Holms and his crew failed.  Effort was halted when budget cuts were made.

In 2002, Mr. Arnold, the school’s civics teacher, and his students contacted the current Congressman, Rob Simmons, to get involved. Later, Joe Courtney, US Representative, made the case a priority for the POW/Missing Personnel Office when he was elected.

Holm’s remains were found. The crash site was excavated in 2008 and after 39 years, in 2011, his body was identified.

On the day before Memorial Day, The Arnold E. Holm Memorial Park was finished and opened to the public.

First Selectman Dan Steward remembered Holms as “quite a special person” who is “an important part of the town’s heritage”.

The ceremony had a great turnout from community members of all ages.  Speakers, consisting of politicians, teachers, family, friends and Waterford natives, gave a great picture about what Holm was.

Mr. Arnold said, “The outpouring of support for Captain Arnold Holm has been surreal.  For someone to be remembered in the manner he has been is a tribute to the person he was. The Town of Waterford takes care of their own in a special way.”

Senior CJ Hersom, who attended the ceremony, said, “The tribute to Holm really made me feel connected to the Town of Waterford. Many people who come to support the alum brought community and town spirit to everyone at that moment.  The memorial brought us closer to what he was about.”

Capt Holm, a dedicated student athlete turned solder, gave his life for his community.  In return, the community honored his sacrifice through this memorial that reminds people that he is an example of courage, honor and true Waterford spirit.