A Caledonia walking track, recently named after a local hero, will soon receive some upgrades.
The walking track at Ola J. Pickett Park is now known as the Bradford Freeman Walkway, after the World War II veteran.
The Caledonia mayor and board of aldermen approved the naming and upgrade request in February after Jane Kilgore, a Caledonia-native, saw the need to honor Freeman.
“He is a veteran. He fought for our freedom…I think we need to honor Mr. Brad and all of our veterans for the freedoms that we have here in the United States today,” Kilgore said.
Freeman spent 94 years in Caledonia, and as a freshman at Mississippi State in the 1940s, volunteered for the paratroopers in WWII. He jumped in the D-Day Invasion with the 101st Airborne Division, and his division’s story was told in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers.
Freeman returned to Caledonia after the war and became a mail carrier. He passed away July 3, 2022 at the age of 97.
The upgrades include LED light poles installed along the 3/4 mile-long track. A plaque commemorating Freeman will also be placed at the park.
“The walking track is limited. When it gets dark, a lot of people can’t walk. This will help light up the walkway. There should not be a spot on the walking track that is not lit,” Kilgore said.
On Saturday, a fundraiser was held to raise money for the new additions to the track at the Rumble at the River event at the Columbus Lock and Dam. The event included a car show and a band performance by Rust Bucket Roadies. A total of $3,400 was raised at the event, brining the total funds raised to a little more than $11,000. The fundraising goal is $186,200.
“My husband is a veteran of the Navy,” said Kilgore, who was at the weekend event. “My daddy was in World War II, and I have a son who’s a captain that jumps out of perfectly good airplanes, too, like (Freeman) did. So, I just want to do this for our community, our veterans and for (Freeman).”
Those interested in donating to the effort can do so by contributing to the Bradford Freeman Memorial Account, which has been set up at Bank of Vernon. Those who donate $5,000 or more will get their name placed on one of the light poles.
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