RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT) – A new memorial garden is being built in Richmond.
It’s called ‘Stones of Joshua Memorial Garden.’
Its purpose is to honor people who lost their battle to substance abuse and mental illness.
Three names are already engraved on the granite wall. The organizer who’s behind it said each of them fought a battle worth remembering.
It’s perched on top of a hill off Boonesborough Road.
“At times it’s very quiet and you have the hillside and I’m looking at the cattle on the hills and the sunset up here,” said Owner, Russell Reichenbach Cavendish. “It’s a beautiful location,” said
It’s a peaceful place to reflect, meditate and heal.
Reichenbach Cavendish, a former minister, has been working on the memorial for a year. He said he wanted to find a way to remember and honor those who lost their battle to substance abuse and mental health issues.
“We don’t know how difficult their lives were and the torment they went through. They fought as best they could,” said Reichenbach Cavendish.
The Stones of Joshua refers to a set of twelve stones that Joshua set up after he crossed the Jordan River.
The memorial site thanked God that the Israelites got to the other side. It was named Gilgal.
“Which really means ‘rolled away.’ We have come from the past and we’re moving forward,” said Reichenbach Cavendish. “Shame has been rolled away.”
Each name represents bravery and struggle.
“My brother fought depression and suicide. You see an individual name, but that represents a whole village of family and loved ones who fought with them,” said Reichenbach Cavendish.
Once it’s complete the memorial garden will also have a chapel, statues, flowers and benches.
“This is in between Winchester, Lexington and Richmond. I would hope, in building this garden, we will encourage other communities to have memorial gardens.”
The memorial garden will officially open to the public on Friday, October 10 at noon.
If you have a name of a family member or loved one whose name you would like to see put on the memorial, you can reach out to the Stones of Joshua Memorial Facebook page or email drrussellrrechenbach@gmail.com.
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