By Debra Schell
Press And Journal Staff

Thomas Butler respected the nation’s veterans, his mother, Deb Butler said. It was one of the reasons her son helped complete Steelton’s Veterans Park.
Butler, 23, who died suddenly in December, was remembered Saturday at services that were part of Steelton’s Veterans’ Appreciation Day Parade. The community dedicated a tree in Butler’s memory.
“I am proud of the respect that my son had for the veterans,” Deb Butler said.
Her son’s work at the park was very meaningful to him.  It was completed in 2007, she said.
“I really appreciate what the borough of Steelton and Mayor Tom Acri have done for him,” Butler said.
The family plans to visit the park more often now with the planting of the tree.
Acri said that he met Butler during the reconstruction of the park.
“He was the big boss of the park,” said Acri, who spoke kindly of Butler during the ceremony and quoted others who called him “a good kid.”
The ceremony was held after the conclusion of the annual Steelton Borough Veterans Appreciation Parade, which traveled along Front Street.
Acri and Highspire Mayor John Hoerner presented this year’s state champion Steelton-Highspire girls’ basketball team with proclamations congratulating the team and its coaches on winning the state championship.