Morris County Park Commission Partners on “The Healing Garden”
More than 100 people gathered at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum on Friday, where the Morris County Park Commission and the Morris County Board of County Commissioners joined Veterans Valor of New Jersey for a formal signing of an agreement establishing The Healing Garden of Morris, a new public space dedicated to honoring veterans and supporting their families.
The agreement, signed by Park Commission Executive Director Dave Helmer, Park Commission President Stuart Lasser, and Veterans Valor Chairman Charlie Iuliano, marks the official launch of a project more than two years in the making.
“The County Commissioners are proud to work with the Park Commission and Veterans Valor to create a space that not only honors the service and sacrifice of our veterans, but also provides a place for them to help cope with some of the challenges they face when they return home,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, liaison to the Park Commission, who spoke at the ceremony. “Many months of planning led to today’s signing, and we’ll finally be able to break ground on this important project next month.”
View More Photos from The Healing Garden of Morris Signing Ceremony
The purpose of The Healing Garden of Morris rests within its name – a garden that serves as a place for peace, reflection and spiritual renewal, while allowing veterans and the broader community to connect. Envisioned as a “living tribute,” the plan is for the garden to host veteran-related art, horticultural programs, wellness seminars and opportunities for creative expression. At its core is the Disarm PTSD initiative, a campaign to help veterans transform their experiences with service-related trauma into a source of purpose and connection.
“The Healing Garden will be a living testament to resilience and service, and we are proud to have the support of the Park Commission and Morris County to turn this vision into a reality. Every veteran’s journey is unique, but many share common experiences as they transition from the battlefield to their homes. The project seeks to honor this journey through storytelling and support within seven dedicated areas of the Healing Garden,” said Will Draper, executive director of Veterans Valor.
Draper listed and described each of the areas envisioned:
- Point of Sacrifice: Acknowledging the bravery and sacrifices made by service members.
- Medevac: Understanding the critical moments of medical evacuation and care in the field.
- Triage: Exploring the initial assessments and treatments veterans receive upon return.
- Homeward: Celebrating the emotional journey of returning home and reuniting with loved ones.
- Recovery: Highlighting the ongoing physical and mental health support essential for veterans.
- Fallen: Honoring those who lost the battle at home, recognizing their sacrifice and legacy.
- New Life: Inspiring hope and new beginnings for veterans and their families.