“It is also my hope that as people enter this park and walk among the heroes that are honored and remembered here that they will hear each hero say to them… ‘There is a different way to live your life. Live your life believing that there is something greater in life than me. Live your life caring for others… loving others. Greater love has no one than this… that you would lay down your life for your friend,” – Gary Beikirch
Park Information
In recognition of Vietnam Veteran and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Gary Beikirch the memorial section of Highland Park has been renamed to Beikirch Park. This change comes on May 13th 2021, and makes the 22nd named park for the Monroe County System. Now just south of Highland Ave the new park stands as a reminder to those that have been lost and those that served to help create better lives for us all.
About Gary Beikirch (1947-2021)
Sergeant Gary B. Beikirch was a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient who served as a combat medic. During a battle at Camp Dak Seang, Beikirch, in the midst of defending the camp, ran into open fire to save a wounded soldier caught in the open. Despite a shrapnel wound he sustained rescuing the soldier, he continued to perform medical operations on wounded soldiers, receiving more shrapnel wounds and getting shot in the stomach. For his heroism during this battle, Beikirch received our nation's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor.
After the war, Beikirch served as a pastor, pursued higher education and eventually becoming a counselor at Greece Arcadia Middle School where he worked for around 30 years. He also served as executive director of Rochester's Veterans Outreach Center. Beikirch died of cancer in 2021 but lived to see the park dedicated in his name shortly before his passing.
For more information on Gary Beikirch, see https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/2983823/medal-of-honor-monday-army-sgt-gary-beikirch/ .
Pictured above Sargent Gary Beikirch, wife Lolly Beikirch, and much of his extended family
Lilac Arches
Located near the corner of Highland and South Avenues, the Lilac Arches features interesting architectural form, a brick patio and benches. This site is available for rent for small receptions and weddings. For information and reservations please call 585 753-PARK (7275) or go to our Online Weddings Reservation System.
Memorials*
Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans' Memorial
A memorial that commemorates the service, valor, and sacrifice of more than 28,000 Vietnam Veterans from our region as well as the 280 men who gave the ultimate sacrifice. For more information, go to www.rochestervietnammemorial.org
War on Terror Memorial
The War on Terror Memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2021, the twentieth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It is dedicated to residents of Monroe County and surrounding counties who lost their lives in military conflicts since 1990, including the Gulf War, United Shield in Somalia, Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom. For more information, see https://www.monroecounty.gov/news-2021-09-11-memorial .
AIDS Memorial
A memorial that allows people who have been affected by the AIDS virus a quiet place for reflection.
Victims' Rights Memorial
A memorial that recognizes members of our community that have been victims of violent crimes
Workers' Rights Memorial
A memorial that recognizes members of our community that have advanced the mission of the AFL-CIO.
*The memorials area of the park is handicapped-accessible
