Garner Veterans Memorial
Planning Your Visit
Operating Hours : The Town of Garner ’ s Lake Benson Park is open sunrise to sunset , seven days a week . The park may be closed during special events or during severe weather .
Parking : There are two gravel parking lots at Lake Benson Park . Limited parking is also available along the park ’ s entrance drive . Two handicap spaces are located near the memorial .
Group Tours : Free guided group tours of the memorial are available upon request . Contact Katie Lockhart at klockhart @ garnernc . gov .
Dedicated in May 2013 , the Garner Veterans Memorial honors Garnerarea veterans and educates visitors about the history of wars and conflicts involving the United States .
Made possible by over half a million dollars in donations from citizens , civic groups , churches and government agencies , the memorial , located near the entrance of Lake Benson Park ( 921 Buffaloe Road ), was a major reason Garner earned its All- America City designation in 2013 .
The memorial has become a focal point of the community . It serves as the location of Garner ’ s annual Memorial Day observance and the site of the Gold Star tree ceremony every holiday season . In spring 2022 , The Wall That Heals , a threequarter-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial , was installed for several days adjacent to the Garner Veterans Memorial . Thousands of people visited The Wall and memorial and a special welcome-home walk was held to honor Vietnam War-era veterans .
Self-guided Audio Tour : The Town has created an audio tour that you can listen to on a mobile device while visiting the memorial . Just scan one of the QR codes on signage at the memorial and start your own self-guided tour .
The memorial itself was designed to honor all veterans , but especially those who died during armed conflict and war . Visitors to the memorial have an opportunity to learn about the conflicts and wars involving the United States . Reflection benches are located in areas that represent decades when our nation was at peace . The benches offer a place to contemplate our country ’ s past , present and future .
Garner resident and architect Mon Peng Yueh was lead designer for the project and worked closely with internationally renowned artist Thomas Sayre , who produced the red clay earthcasts on memorial ’ s upright slabs .
Visit garnerveteransmemorial . org for more information about the memorial or to order a brick .
The memorial also provides residents an opportunity to recognize any veteran of the U . S . armed forces with a brick in the Walkway of Honor . Brick orders are collected until July 31 each year , with installation in October . Proceeds from the continued brick sales support the maintenance and upkeep of the memorial . garnernc . gov
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