Park renamed after Valley men killed in Vietnam

The Laguna Heights Community Park now has an official name, “Bejarano-McFarland Park,” after two local young men who were killed close to 40 years ago while on tours of duty in Vietnam.

Saturday morning, friends and family members of Pfc. Adolfo Bejarano Jr. and 1st Lt. Louis Henry McFarland were on hand for the dedication of the park that will bear their loved ones’ names.

Commissioners Court unanimously voted on December 19, 2006, to adopt a resolution naming the park, 1806 Michigan Ave., after the two, according to a prepared statement from Cameron County Judge Carlos H. Cascos.

“We felt it was appropriate. The folks in the community came to us and asked (to name the park after them.)”

McFarland, then 23 and nearly three months into his tour of duty with the Army, was killed Feb. 27, 1968, in Gia Dinh, in southern Vietnam. He died from multiple wounds to his body and his death was classified as a ground causality.

Fred McFarland remembered his brother.

“He was already my hero when we were kids, because he once saved me from drowning in the Laguna Madre.”

He added that he felt honored and humbled to see so many people come to show their respect for what his brother did for his country.

“I hope he is as great an inspiration for you as he has been for me,” he said.

Twenty-four-year-old Bejarano, originally from Port Isabel, was killed on Oct. 12, 1968, also in southern Vietnam.

Bejarano’s best friend, Roger Villareal, talked about the buddy he grew up with.

“When he told me he was going to join the Marines, I laughed at him,” he said.

He also said he didn’t think the Marines would accept Bejarano because he was overweight.

“Popo looked at me real serious and said very firmly, ‘I mean it—I’m going to be a Marine,’” he said.

Bejarano abruptly went on a strict diet and exercise program, Villareal said, and stuck with it until he could meet the entrance requirements.

“After he was killed, I felt like it was my duty to take his place,” Villareal said, “so I followed his example and enlisted in the Marines. And today, my daughter is a Marine, stationed in San Diego.”

Cascos said the park would continue to expand.

“Bejarano and McFarland serve as an inspiration to everyone that attends the park,” he said. “Cameron County is proud to name (it in honor of them).”