In a recent government meeting, community leaders discussed an ambitious project aimed at creating a healing garden dedicated to veterans and suicide victims. The initiative, inspired by Tom Miller, a Vietnam veteran and artist who founded a 157-acre park in Wisconsin, seeks to foster community ownership and sustainability over time.

The vision for the garden is to serve as a tranquil space for families and individuals affected by the loss of loved ones in military service. Participants emphasized the importance of such a space for healing and solace, highlighting the emotional toll experienced by veterans and their families. Former Mayor Kathy Wilson, who has been instrumental in advancing the project, expressed gratitude for the support received thus far.

The meeting also announced an upcoming event on November 14 at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, hosted by County Clerk Anne Grossi, to honor veterans in Morris County. Attendees are encouraged to join a pre-event tour of the garden site, led by Miller and other community members, to visualize the future of this significant project.

The discussions underscored a collective commitment to supporting veterans and their families, with committee members expressing their willingness to contribute to the garden's development and ongoing initiatives aimed at veteran welfare. The project is seen as a long-term investment in community healing, with hopes that it will evolve and thrive for generations to come.