PENSACOLA, Fla. — A hidden gem in a Pensacola man’s backyard is bringing joy to veterans all over the area.
Gary Gable constructed a veterans memorial garden to honor those lost before him and after. He is a Vietnam veteran.
He says he built the memorial not for himself, but for others. More than a dozen veterans traveled across state lines to see it firsthand.
There’s no plaque or publicity in front of this home in Pensacola. This memorial garden is tucked away in a backyard, built by one man to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Gable didn’t want to speak on-camera, saying this space is about honoring others, not himself.
WEAR: How would you describe this to someone whose never seen it?
“This is one of the most amazing gardens and sense of pride for the military right here,” said Jon Hanson with Freedom Guard Riders.
“So many veterans don’t want to be in front of the camera,” he said. “Don’t want to be the star or whatever.”
Rows of flags waited for veterans outside gable’s home to honor those who served in wars from generations ago.
“It’s a sense of pride,” Hanson said. “It’s very humbling to do this and be around veterans who have served across the world. many injured, many served in multiple wars and it’s completely our honor to be able to do this.”
Veterans from the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette say witnessing the display is an extraordinary honor.
“It takes a lot of work to do this,” John “Roscoe” Keller said. “I loved it. A lot of work, a lot tender love and care. It’d be heaven for me to do something like this man.”
WEAR: What does it mean as a veteran to see this?
Roscoe: Very much to me… very deep to me, very deep.
For some, the garden brings back old memories and helps heal new ones.
“Brings back memories, good and bad,” said Roscoe. “It’s also good to share stuff. That’s why there’s so many suicides. They keep it inside.”
The home takes veterans on regular outings from ball games to breakfast.
“From restaurants to sporting events, they’re constantly on the go.”
Organizers say the difference it makes for these veterans is evident.
WEAR: “do you think it makes a difference in them and why?”
“Definitely. Any time to get out, interact with the public, see other people, the smiles on their faces,” said Jessica Kenny, director of activities. “They get tired of seeing us all the time, so the new faces make them happy.”
“We have a great time man,” Kenny said. “Everybody so close and all.”
The veterans who visited say they’ll never forget it and that Gable’s garden is a reminder of gratitude and pride in service.
“It’s wonderful to know that there are individuals who are willing to spend their own money to take the time to bring other veterans out here,” said Hanson. “I guarantee every veteran that came here is going to leave with a great feeling in their heart.”
The William Greene Veterans Home currently has 150 residents –142 are men.
Organizers say they’d love to return to Gable’s memorial with even more veterans next time.
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