Select garden site-new or existing, large or small
Provide American Flag
Obtain Never Forget Garden Marker
Provide a bench, chair or seat
Make your plan, design the space
Prepare soil
Select white rose(s)
Choose other flowers
Plant. Water. Feed. Grow. Enjoy.
10) Plan a dedication ceremony; invite neighbors, friends and family,
11) Commemorate Memorial Day and Veterans Day in your own way.
12) Send your plans and garden photos to editornfg@fastmail.com
Detail and Suggestions …
1.) Whether your ‘Never Forget’ Garden is in your home garden or in a public space, the site selection will make your garden special. Large or small, it will carry the message that we remember the men and women who have served our country in times of war and armed conflict. It can be a container garden – or a simple potted plant. It can be a designed space that is precisely planned, a corner, or a field of flowers. It should be visible and easily accessible unless your garden will be your private meditation place . . . which is okay. It should have sun for roses and flowers, though a little relief from afternoon sun in the form of shade would be advantageous.
2.) The American Flag—in any size—is an integral part of your ‘Never Forget’ Garden, either hung on a flagpole or hung flat against a garden wall. Also the Tomb Guards offer a beautiful Centennial flag at the Society Store: www.tombguard.org/store.
3.) Once complete, you will find you want to spend time in your ‘Never Forget Garden’. A bench or seat of some kind will draw you in, cause you to pause, rest, breathe in the outdoor air, remember your loved ones, meditate, and by your presence, you are honoring the Unknown Soldier and all those who have served our nation, in the past, present and future.
4.) The beautiful ‘Never Forget’ garden marker is an exquisite and distinct identification for your garden; its message is important . . . and comforting. The marker is 11” x 17”, just $122 from www.tombguard.org/store.
5.) Simple or elaborate; formal or informal. Your garden can be what you want it to be. All are personal to each gardener and community. All will represent love of country and those who preserve our freedom.
6.) You won’t have to do much in the way of preparing the soil if you are using an existing garden space for your ‘Never Forget’ setting. If the ground is unbroken, you may need to remove the grass, till the soil, add compost to loosen the soil particles.
7.) The White Rose is the official flower of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. White roses were used in the bouquet that was placed on the casket, thus designating the Unknown Soldier in 1921. The American Rose Society provides a Guide to Rose Nurseries. Those nurseries’ websites provide images of white roses for each growing region for you to choose from. www.rose.org. (go to America’s Rose Garden, then Never Forget Garden). Contact Marilyn Wellan if you need help in making your selection. roseusa@suddenlink.net
8.) The Centennial planning team also recommends the use of other flowers, including roses of all colors, which have a language all their own in expressing the emotions of patriotism, remembrance, love, and more. Newly planted or existing trees can also symbolize values, such as the Holly symbolizes peace and good will. See “Choosing plants for ‘Never Forget’ Gardens” at www.rose.org.
9.) You will find you want to be in your garden caring for the plants and enjoying the space. Plants usually “tell you” what they want – water, food, and freedom from weeds. If you need help, ask your question on the internet. The American Rose Society website offers numerous videos on rose care, www.rose.org, or on its YouTube channel. Or contact Marilyn Wellan for help. roseusa@suddenlink.net
10.) You are now an “ambassador” for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a major participant in the Centennial. By your commitment to the garden, you are making a “promise to fulfill America’s sacred duty to never forget. Here (in our gardens) we renew our mutual pledge to support them with ‘our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.’” (quote from the garden marker). Let your neighbors, friends and family know that your garden is significant to you in the year 2021, but also that your garden is forever, for the need to help unite the country behind the values, principles and freedoms for which our soldiers gave their lives is forever.
11.) The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is sharing all activities of the Centennial Commemoration on the website – www.tombguard.org, YouTube, Facebook and on other social media. Through this sharing, we are able to show the great diversity of personal thought that went into your planning and planting, and we are recording your participation in the Centennial. Again, send photos and your reflections on your garden to roseusa@suddenlink.net.
12.) It’s never too early to plan for the day of commemoration of the Centennial of the Unknown Soldier—on Veterans Day—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month: November 11.