Veterans’ Plans For A Honor Garden Continue

By Kendra Bobowick

After a quick review of plans earlier this month for a Veterans Honor Garden, formerly named the Veterans Memorial Garden, town officials are pleased.

To be located behind the Newtown Youth Academy (NYA) in Fairfield Hills, First Selectman Pat Llodra said, “It will be a value added to the area.” The garden “is really quite nice and will add decorative and attractive plants to the hillside,” she said.

After seeing preliminary plans for a garden and patio area that will be installed this year, Mrs Llodra said that she and others from the Land Use Agency and Fairfield Hills Authority “felt positive” about a garden designed to recognize both fallen servicemen and women and those currently serving in the military. The garden is NYA founder Peter D’Amico’s concept.

Deputy Director of Land Use Rob Sibley commented this week, “The memorial garden is a nice addition and offering to those who serve in the military.”

He also favors the native plants, “which help transition the woods behind the site into the area behind the facility. I believe that the garden will have an additional habitat benefit to the area.”

Tuesday afternoon, Mr D’Amico and assistant Kaki Taylor, stepped outside the youth academy into the vast concrete courtyard spreading around a large 40-foot, lighted central fountain. Behind the fountain is a small slope heading toward a natural treeline. That slope will soon be home to spirea, rhus, ornamental grasses, arborvitae, shrub roses, and more — all native species.

Considering their plant choices, Ms Taylor said, “It was easy” to gain both Land Use Agency and the Fairfield Hills Authority members’ approval since native plantings are preferred on the campus. She also noted that the natural plantings will be both appealing and help retain water flow coming down the hill. Standing before markings on the ground to outline future wall placements and plantings, Mr D’Amico noted the concrete around the fountain and pointed to where various memorial pavers could go. He reminds residents that anyone who wants to honor a veteran, deceased or alive, past, present, or future, can purchase a paver for the honor garden.

Mr D’Amico recently decided to invest roughly $5,000 for pavers to honor members of the military killed in action from 1990 to present for all of Connecticut — 236 servicemen and women, according to information provided to Mr D’Amico through the Department of Defense. This decision adds a new twist to boost his campaign started on November 11, 2011, for the community to purchase personalized engraved brick pavers.

“It is important to honor the men and women that have served in the US Military and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their personal sacrifice allows Americans to enjoy the freedoms we have today. This Honor Garden offered in their memory is but a small token of our gratitude,” said Mr D’Amico.

Both the garden and Mr D’Amico’s gesture are “a big deal” said Mrs Llodra, adding, “I am proud to say that I bought a brick as soon as I learned about it.” The Honor Garden recognizes the efforts and dedication of men and women who have served and are currently serving in all of the branches of the US military.

The garden design has been coordinated by Brid Craddock, Brid Craddock Heirloom Gardens, LLC and the construction and project implementation will be performed by Rob Manna, Jr, LRM Inc. Both are local Newtown businesses.

Mrs Llodra, members of the Land Use Agency and the Fairfield Hills Authority reviewed the garden design and the proposed memorial on Monday, March 5.

To purchase a brick paver, visit NewtownYouthAcademy.org/veteran, print and fill out an order form or complete the order electronically.

Peter D’Amico, president and CEO of the SCB International, has been recognized for his vision in creating the Newtown Youth Academy as well as supporting numerous charities and volunteer activities.

Ms Taylor and Mr D’Amico anticipate a dedication ceremony on Memorial Day weekend.