Landmark Partnership Launches Vital Green Space for Veteran Wellness and Reflection
A profound, collaborative effort to support New Jersey’s veterans has officially commenced, as the Morris County Park Commission, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, and the nonprofit Veterans Valor of New Jersey formally cemented a landmark alliance. The event, held at the picturesque Frelinghuysen Arboretum, marked the signing of the agreement that establishes The Healing Garden of Morris, a significant new public sanctuary dedicated to acknowledging the deep sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and providing essential solace to their families. The assembly, which drew over a hundred community supporters, witnessed the formal commitment, signaling the highly-anticipated culmination of more than two years of meticulous planning and preparation.
The key stakeholders, including Park Commission Executive Director Dave Helmer, Park Commission President Stuart Lasser, and Veterans Valor Chairman Charlie Iuliano, affixed their signatures to the document. This ceremonial act serves as the official launch of a vital community resource set to begin construction next month.
The core mission of The Healing Garden is intrinsically woven into its name: a meticulously designed green space intended to foster tranquility, deep reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation. It is engineered to serve as a powerful connector, enabling veterans and the wider community to engage and pursue well-being. Conceptualized as a lasting, dynamic memorial, this space is slated to feature veteran-focused art installations and cultural programs, alongside therapeutic horticultural activities and crucial wellness seminars. This commitment to artistic expression and cultural recognition is a hallmark of the state’s respect for its servicemen and women, reflecting a broader appreciation for New Jersey’s diverse art and culture. A central pillar of its therapeutic purpose is the Disarm PTSD initiative, a specialized campaign designed to empower veterans to reframe their experiences with service-related trauma into a source of enduring purpose and community connection.
Morris County Commissioner Douglas Cabana, who serves as the liaison to the Park Commission, underscored the government’s steadfast support. “The County Commissioners are immensely proud to collaborate with both the Park Commission and Veterans Valor to forge a space that not only pays homage to the service and sacrifice of our veterans but also offers them a crucial, restorative setting to process the challenges they encounter upon their return home,” stated Commissioner Cabana. He confirmed that the extensive preparatory work had been completed, paving the way for the project’s physical commencement with a groundbreaking scheduled for the near future.
Will Draper, the Executive Director of Veterans Valor, articulated the garden’s profound structure, emphasizing that while every veteran’s journey is unique, many share similar transitions from deployment to domestic life. The design seeks to honor this shared, yet deeply personal, experience through narrative and support, organized into seven distinct, therapeutic zones: Point of Sacrifice, dedicated to recognizing the exceptional bravery and profound sacrifices made by military personnel; Medevac, a space for contemplating the critical nature of in-field medical care and evacuation; Triage, focused on the vital, initial assessments and necessary treatments veterans receive as they transition back; Homeward, a place for celebrating the powerful emotional journey of the return home and the joy of reunification; Recovery, highlighting the paramount importance of sustained physical and mental health support for their ongoing well-being; Fallen, a solemn area for honoring those who tragically succumbed to the inner battles fought at home, acknowledging their legacy and the ultimate sacrifice; and New Life, designed to inspire vibrant hope, forward momentum, and new beginnings for veterans and their entire families.
The necessity of the project was poignantly shared by several veterans who spoke at the ceremony, including 21-year U.S. Army veteran Aaron Oliver, retired U.S. Navy Captain and Veterans Valor board member Rob Hughes, and Peter Danchise, a Vietnam veteran and established artist. Their heartfelt testimonies illuminated the ongoing struggle with PTSD and the complex process of re-acclimation post-service. They collectively emphasized the profound and vital significance of this specific project for veterans who share these experiences and are seeking meaningful avenues for healing.
The partnership’s historical connection to veteran support is long-established, as noted by Executive Director Dave Helmer. He remarked that the creation of The Healing Garden felt particularly serendipitous, recalling that the first director of the Park Commission, Russell Myers, was a founding member of the Friends of Patriots’ Path back in 1966. “We will soon have The Healing Garden to stand as a reflection on the enormous sacrifices made by our nation’s true treasure: our veterans and their families,” Helmer concluded. The commitment of the community was further evidenced by the wide range of attendees, including Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, representatives from the Rotary Club of Morristown, American Legion Post 59, Morris Arts, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and local legislative officials, all of whom toured the future garden site following the official signing. This initiative is part of a broader, sustained effort by Morris County to champion veterans’ support, which has recently included the expansion of the Veterans Services Office and a new partnership with the County College of Morris to provide vital services at their Veterans Resource Center. Veterans Valor (The Healing Gardens of Morris, Inc.) is a dedicated nonprofit focused on supporting New Jersey veterans and their families by creating spaces and opportunities for healing and community engagement.
