Community Corner

Mahwah Completes 'Circle of Freedom' Tribute to Veterans

Finished memorial garden will be officially unveiled at Monday's Memorial Day ceremony.

The following was submitted to Patch by the Circle of Freedom Committee.

The “Circle of Freedom” memorial garden project, led by the Mahwah Beautification Committee, will complete the 3rd and final stage of development on Memorial Day by dedicating 6 new flag poles in Veterans’ Memorial Park.  The poles will bear flags for the 5 branches of the military and 1 for prisoners of war.  The new flags will be raised for the first time by six veterans at the Township’s Memorial Day ceremony, set for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26, in the park.     

“Adding these flags to the center of the garden is the perfect finale for the ‘Circle of Freedom’ project and a symbolic, enduring way to thank all veterans for their service,” said Susan Stedtler, project chair.  

“Veterans’ Park will now fulfill its intended purpose. We look forward to continually beautifying Mahwah and to recognizing the veterans who have given so much to our country.”    

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Fundraising began one year ago at the Mahwah Memorial Day parade on May 27, 2013 with Boy Scouts collecting donations from spectators. The word spread by articles, letters to the editor in community publications, mailings, and word of mouth.  

Additional funds were raised through restaurant fundraisers, donations from those attending group functions at Mahwah Senior Center, contributions from Mahwah Day participants, and meetings with friends and organizations throughout the town.  

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“Through the love and generosity of our entire community, this park is now fulfilling its purpose: to reflect the history of our veterans and each of the wars in which they served, as well as to recognize each branch of our military,” said Maria LaSalvia, committee co-chair.  

The “Circle of Freedom” memorial garden is located in Veterans’ Memorial Park in historic downtown Mahwah. Designed by Jacobsen Landscaping, the garden features 12 unique plaques etched in granite, a circular garden with benches, and varieties of colorful, low-maintenance perennials and shrubs, all sustained by the existing sprinkler system.

The new flag poles cost $800 each and are being funded entirely through donations. See the full list of donors in the attached pdf.

To make a donation of any amount, you may send a check payable to the Township of Mahwah Beautification Committee, Attn: Susan Stedtler, Circle of Freedom Memorial Garden, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, NJ 07430.  For further information, email MahwahFreedom@gmail.com.  


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