Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Augusta Military Memorial topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Augusta County "Garden That Heals" memorial presented to Staunton Council; organizers seek partnerships and grants
Summary
Representatives of the Augusta County Military Memorial presented plans for a Veterans Memorial and "Garden That Heals" to be located near the new Augusta County courthouse in Verona; organizers estimate a $150,000–$160,000 granite monument cost and said they are not requesting city funds tonight but will seek partners, donors, and grant opportunities.
David Zimmerman, representing the Augusta County Military Memorial committee, presented the concept for a Veterans Memorial described as "the Garden That Heals" during the Staunton City Council work session Feb. 12. Zimmerman said the site will be on the Augusta County Government Complex in Verona, near the new courthouse, and designed as a place for quiet reflection with benches, pavers for donor recognition, and a central soldier's cross. The schematic shown to council uses a pentagon shape in part as a reference to the 9/11 Pentagon attack; the memorial will display the seals of Augusta County, Waynesboro and Staunton.
Zimmerman provided background on Augusta County’s military service history, noted veterans’ organizations supporting the project (including the VFW and American Legion posts), and said the memorial will include active outreach and links to veteran services. He estimated the granite monument itself will cost roughly $150,000–$160,000 and said the committee provided a packet for corporate donors. Zimmerman emphasized the committee was not asking the council for direct funding that evening; instead, he asked the city to consider logistical support, to share information about grant opportunities, and to expect notification about a planned groundbreaking in early spring with a possible tie‑in to July commemorations.
City members asked a few clarifying questions about plaques and paver recognition. Zimmerman said the committee plans to use historic seals and pavers from the courthouse where appropriate, add dogwoods and other plantings, and eventually incorporate QR codes for services and information in later phases.
Council thanked Zimmerman and his committee members for the presentation. Organizers requested that the city share information about potential grants and indicated they will notify city staff before the planned groundbreaking date.
