Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, Inc.Walnut Grove Road - Middletown, CT
A message from the CTHM president...
February – the month we celebrate love, heart health, a winter getaway, the hint of longer days and the promise of another welcome Spring not far off. We hope you can join us on February 13th for our Hearts of Gold Dinner Dance at the elegant Bond Ballroom high up on the 11th floor overlooking our beautiful state Capitol. It will be a night to remember.
What’s next? Committee members are busy planning for work to continue at the Memorial in order to have everything completed for dedication on September 17th. We will be installing handsome stone-faced pillars, signs, walls, plaques and lighting in the Entrance Plaza to complete the attractive design. The Flag Ceremonial Plaza will see the addition of a low, arcing 90’ sitting wall around the back of the design which will have inscribed a famous and very meaningful quote.
In case you have not visited the Memorial as yet, brick pavers for each plaza and the entire walkway were installed in summer 2015. We have incorporated the donated, engraved bricks that supporters have generously purchased near the Flag Ceremonial Plaza with more to be added this summer. Sponsored black steel benches were also installed late this fall by volunteers from the Middletown Fire Department and Parks Department. They are a most welcome and attractive addition to the Memorial design. The areas around each bench will be tidied up and reseeded this spring. Lighting and security cameras will be mounted on lovely black, decorative poles this spring/summer.
If you have visited the Memorial, you may be wondering about that large block of concrete in front of the flagpoles? ……..Just a few weeks ago, members of the committee made a trip to PA to visit acclaimed sculptor, Mr. Andrew Chernak (creator of the Gold Star Mothers sculpture in Waterbury City Hall) to see his progress in creating our grand and impressive commissioned sculpture. This amazing, original design will be delivered and mounted on the concrete base and unveiled at our September 17th dedication ceremony.
“Sign, sign, everywhere a sign” - remember that old song? Committee members are working with local city officials and state agencies to realize major highway and local road signs directing people to the Memorial in Veterans Memorial Park.
And what design would be complete without some lovely landscaping? Do you have a green thumb? Landscape companies, garden clubs, individuals and organizations are invited to design and maintain a garden in the Memorial area. Donations of perennials, shrubbery, rose and other bushes are needed. Please contact me if you are interested in offering a design or wish to donate.
On another note…… I, as well as committee members have seen and met so many visitors to the Memorial while we have been there working, checking on progress, etc. Some approach us to talk and comment; others remain silent and enjoy their time in their own way. Judging by the number of people who have been observed stopping at specific trees and monuments, we are heartened that the Memorial is becoming a very special place. All the little stones and small tokens placed on top of the monuments is always a wonderful reminder of visitors.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to forever honor and remember our fallen who gave their lives in the line of duty so far away from home and all our veterans. The CT Trees of Honor Memorial is a unique and welcoming place to visit - a place our generation and those to come will appreciate the meaning of duty, sacrifice and love of country.
Sincerely,
Sue Martucci
