FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE: Ben’s Garden

The proposal to create a Memorial Garden in honor of Private First Class Benjamin Valenti, Army World War II Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, came just prior to the pandemic lockdown. As we know the world changed and projects were altered, social gatherings halted and many activities we do as a community were paused.

That first meeting with members of Hugs for Courage and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was so positive and held such promise. I was impressed and pleased that a year later the project finally became a reality. What we see today is a testament to the commitment, not only to the memory and service of Ben Valenti, but to all soldiers. Many monuments are made of stone; the idea of creating a garden of yellow day lilies that will be in bloom on Memorial Day is a fitting reminder to honor our Veterans and a way to celebrate their lives. There are over 100 lilies planted in the garden – a symbolic bloom for every year of Ben’s life and a reminder that his life, like the lives of all the men and women who have and are now serving our country, is something we value and honor.

What heartens me most is not only the thought of developing such a memorial but the community financial donations and the hands that created it. Thank you to Commander Jose Morales, Sr. Vice Commander Carmine Garritano and members of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Warwick Valley Post No. 4662 and joined by Commander Stan Martin and members of American Legion Post 214. Thank you to Carmella Borrazas, Nicole McCormick, Kristina Hoti representing Hugs for Courage and special thanks to Tony Donato for the contribution of the plaques and the men of our DPW and the young men of Troop 45 who created the flower bed and planted the lilies.

It is through the creation of memorials such as this that we ensure that the memory of our Veterans remains an important part of who we are as a community and country.

Dear Ben, these lilies are planted with love and tenderness. They are a symbol of the commitment and courage of every soldier, for all time. They are a symbol of what is important to us and a simple way that we can express our gratitude and thank you for your service.