Veterans Healing Garden: A New Therapeutic Space for Palm Bay Veterans
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at American Legion Post 117 to Support Mental Health
Palm Bay, FL – November 18, 2024
American Legion Post 117 invites the Palm Bay community to the grand opening of a unique initiative dedicated to supporting veterans—the Veteran’s Healing Garden. This ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the launch of a special space designed to bring healing to veterans and their families through therapeutic gardening. The event will take place on Saturday, November 23, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at 189 Veterans Dr SE, Palm Bay, FL.
The Veteran’s Healing Garden is the first of its kind within the American Legion network and aims to reduce veteran suicide rates by offering a tranquil environment where veterans can connect, share their stories, and heal both physically and mentally. Therapeutic gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of purpose, making it especially effective for veterans coping with PTSD and other mental health challenges. The garden features dedicated planting areas, sensory gardens designed to stimulate the senses, and quiet reflection spots to help veterans unwind. Additionally, raised garden beds make it accessible for veterans with mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can benefit from this space. Family members are also encouraged to take part, acknowledging that the struggle veterans face often extends to their loved ones.
"Be the One" Campaign
The garden is also a proud extension of the American Legion’s “Be the One” campaign—an initiative focused on reducing the stigma around mental health treatment. The campaign aims to ultimately decrease the alarming number of veteran suicides, which is estimated at between 17 and 22 every day. The American Legion emblem proudly stands as a symbol of our commitment to this cause, representing unity, resilience, and the ongoing fight for veteran well-being.
Through the combination of the Healing Garden and the “Be the One” effort, Post 117 aims to be a community leader in raising awareness and supporting veterans in need. The emblem serves as a reminder that no veteran should feel alone in their struggles, and it calls on our community to stand together in the effort to provide mental health support and foster healing.
Event Highlights
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Event Time: The festivities start at 12:00 pm and run until 4:00 pm, with the ribbon-cutting taking place at 1:00 pm to officially open the Healing Garden.
Special Guests: Joining the celebration will be Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina, Palm Bay Police Chief Augello, members of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Post 117 Commander Terry Struven.
Activities: The event will feature live music by DJ SK1, a kids' planting station, and a selection of hors d’oeuvres and cake for attendees. There will also be a cash bar and vendor booths for the community to explore.
Why This Matters to Palm Bay Residents
This project serves not only as a therapeutic outlet for veterans but also as a reminder of the community’s role in supporting those who have served our country. With approximately 12,000 veteran families residing in Palm Bay, the need for community-driven initiatives like this is crucial. Community members have contributed through donations, volunteer hours, and by helping with the garden's construction, making this project a true reflection of the collective effort of our community to honor and support veteran families. The garden is more than just a space to plant flowers—it’s a place of solidarity, reflection, and community for both veterans and their families.
Dana Jackson, Post Adjutant and Public Relations chair at Post 117 and Debbie Nixon, Unit 117 Auxiliary member & Garden Coordinator has been instrumental in coordinating the development of the garden from it initial concept and through its ongoing construction. As for the quote, "The Veteran's Healing Garden offers a peaceful space for veterans - a place to come together, share, and find solace in nature. We're grateful for everyone supporting this cause."
How You Can Get Involved
Attend the Event: Stop by on November 23rd to celebrate this incredible initiative and show your support for local veterans.
Spread the Word: Share the message about the “Be the One” campaign and the Healing Garden to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health among veterans.
Learn More: Visit betheone.org for more details on how you can be part of the movement.
American Legion Post 117 looks forward to seeing Palm Bay residents come together for this meaningful event. This garden stands as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience—a testament to the collective effort to stomp out suicide through therapeutic gardening.
For more information, contact Dana Jackson at 719-459-6334.