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07/23/2018 07:10 AMA monument that may have been overlooked by many in recent years is now stopping foot traffic on the Branford Town Green, thanks to a team effort to revitalize the Veterans Memorial Garden.
Located at the base of the flag pole, the engraved granite stone monument has been honoring veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam for decades. Now, it stands out between with two boxwood pillars, in a freshly planted circular garden of red roses, white Bobo hydrangea, and blue juniper bushes.
The red, white, and blue plantings, and the American flag flying high above, create a patriotic display that’s a fitting tribute, said local veteran organization leaders Elliot Hastings of Walter Dymarczyk Memorial Post 12106 VFW and Donald Langlois of American Legion Post 83. Both hope the upgrade will help residents to recognize and remember those who served.
“I doubt if even half the people know it’s here and what it stands for,” said Hastings. “It’s something to honor the people who served, and died, too. They shouldn’t be forgotten. They went to war and they did their military time, and they should be honored.”
“It’s here so they’re never forgotten,” said Langlois.
The Veterans Memorial Garden is one of many civic gardens maintained by the Branford Garden Club (BGC). The garden design and new plants were donated by Bill Van Wilgen of Van Wilgen’s Garden Center, who credits his wife and BGC member (and past-president) Laurie Van Wilgen for her assistance with the plan.
Current BGC Evening Committee Veterans Garden Chairman Marybeth Ciarlelli oversees the garden with assistance from her husband Dave Ciarlelli, BGC evening members Linda Holmes (co-chair) and Ingrid Mangels, BGC Daytime Committee members Eunice Lasala (past president)and Van Wilgen, and original Veterans Garden Committee member Janet Jackson. BGC also thanked noted civic volunteer and photographer Bill O’Brien for gathering representatives of all organizations involved in team effort for a group photo to commemorate the new garden on July 19.
According to information supplied by BGC, the original garden was designed by Bob Green, the then-City of New Haven landscaper, working with BGC’s Lee Bauerfeld and Jackson. At the time, it won the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut trophy for its design and purpose of honoring veterans.
Over the years, time and weather took its toll on the garden, said First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, who met with leaders of BGC Evening Committee, Branford’s VFW and American Legion, Branford Public Works, Branford Parks & Recreation, and Van Wilgen’s Garden Center to develop a plan to refurbish the garden surrounding the monument. The Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments helped clear old growth and prepare the pavers and garden plot for plants that were delivered and installed by a crew from Van Wilgen’s.
Cosgrove thanked all of those involved in the team effort and said it’s everyone’s hope the site will be respected and honored by people who visit the Town Green.
“That’s why, during the Jazz Fest, there’s [barrier tape] around it, so maybe someone stops and recognizes this is a memorial,” said Cosgrove, adding, “We want people to realize the entire garden is part of the memorial.”