Frelinghuysen Arboretum to be Site of New Tribute to Veterans
Charlie Iuliano, chairman of Veterans Valor, signing the agreement. Stuart Lasser, president of the Morris County Park Commission is in the middle and Dave Helmer, executive director of the Park Commission is to his right.
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.
Commissioner Douglas Cabana speaking at the ceremony. Pictured in the background (l-r): Rob Hughes, retired U.S. Navy captain and board member of Veterans Valor; Asm. Aura K. Dunn; Commander James Koons of American Legion Post 59 of Morristown; Tom Murphy, veteran and local artist; and 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.
During the event, several veterans — Aaron Oliver, a 21-year U.S. Army veteran; Rob Hughes, retired U.S. Navy captain and board member of Veterans Valor; and Peter Danchise, a Vietnam veteran and artist — spoke about the challenges they faced and continue to face with PTSD and readjusting to life after war. They emphasized how meaningful this project is to them and to other veterans who share those experiences.
Veterans Valor first presented the Park Commission with the original concept to establish the Healing Garden of Morris at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum on Feb. 8, 2023. Formal approval of a memorandum of understanding followed on Oct. 23, 2023.
“The signing of this partnership agreement feels like kismet. The first director of the Park Commission, Russell Myers, was president of the Rotary Club of Morristown in 1966. During that year, the Park Commission and Rotary Club were two of the founding organizations of the Friends of Patriots’ Path,” said Helmer. “Today, we’ll soon have the Healing Garden to reflect on the sacrifices of our true national treasure: veterans and their families.”
Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw also participated in today’s ceremony, along with members of the Rotary Club of Morristown, American Legion Post 59 of Morristown, District 10 VFW, the County College of Morris, Morris Arts, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Anthony Bucco and Asm. Aura Dunn of the 25th Legislative District, municipal officials, and many other community partners and veterans.
Following the signing, attendees toured the future garden site.
A group shot of veterans, members of the Park Commission, and public officials at the Healing Garden of Morris signing.
Morris County continues to prioritize veterans through programs and partnerships that provide support and recognition. Last year, the county expanded the Veterans Services Office in Morris Township to accommodate a federal Veterans Affairs Community Access Point. In September, the county partnered with the County College of Morris to provide a Veterans Services Officer twice a month at the college’s Veterans Resource Center.
Veterans Valor, also known as The Healing Gardens of Morris, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to honoring and supporting New Jersey veterans, especially those wounded in service, and their families. The group aims to raise awareness of post-service challenges and create opportunities for healing and connection through community-driven initiatives.
For more information about The Healing Garden of Morris and ways to support the project, visit VeteransValorofNJ.org.
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