A Veteran’s Garden honoring the men and women who have served in the United States military was dedicated during a Veterans Day ceremony in front of Ste. Genevieve City Hall.
A good crowd gathered for the dedication on a beautiful day, with members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) presenting the colors. Ste. Genevieve Mayor Brian Keim welcomed those in attendance and recognized the significance of the new addition to the city landscape.
The garden was created as a community service project by the Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club. Each year, the club undertakes a community project with the opportunity to receive a matching grant of up to $1,000 from Rotary District 6060.
Rotary Club President Megan Wall developed the idea for the garden, which includes decorative stones representing the various branches of military service, a sculpture depicting two soldiers and a patriotic eagle. Wall also personally painted the statues and stones.
In her keynote remarks, Wall said the garden was created as a place of honor, remembrance, reflection and gratitude for those who have served.
“Our veterans have made sacrifices that many of us can never fully understand,” Wall said, recognizing the hardships service members and their families have faced in defending the country and its freedoms.
She noted that the project reflects Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” saying veterans have lived those words through their willingness to put service ahead of themselves.
Wall expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the project through donations, labor, ideas and community support. She said her hope is that the garden will remain a lasting place of honor where veterans feel appreciated, families can remember loved ones and children can learn about the sacrifices made to protect their freedoms.
In his remarks, Keim thanked Wall for adding to the city landscape with a project that serves as a reminder of both the freedoms Americans enjoy and the cost of preserving them.
He also recognized the American Legion and VFW for their participation in the ceremony and their continued contributions to the country and community.
Several veterans attending the dedication expressed their appreciation for the project, asking Wall to convey their thanks to the Rotary Club for creating such a meaningful tribute.
On behalf of the Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club, Wall officially dedicated the garden to all who have served, those who continue to serve and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
The Veteran’s Garden now provides a permanent place of recognition and remembrance in front of City Hall, honoring the service and sacrifices of America’s veterans.