Forever Grateful – Growing a Veterans’ Garden

We owe our country’s veterans a debt of gratitude for their service. In times of unrest, they have put their lives on hold, often leaving their home and families to serve in foreign lands.

To offer a space for reflection upon the sacrifices of those in our armed forces and their families, Masonic Village at Sewickley features a Veterans’ Garden.

You have the opportunity to personally recognize a veteran in this sacred space. You may choose to honor a family member, a comrade, an entire unit or any service person whose story has touched your life.

Masonic Village is home to many veterans. Nick Tisak served in the U.S. Marines from 1946-48 and in the U.S. Army Airborne Rangers from 1950-53 during the Korean War. His service as a veteran has come full circle since moving to Masonic Village.

Nick Tisak

When Nick was stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia, a soldier was killed in an accident during a night jump. After Nick told this story to several residents at Masonic Village, one gentleman shared he was on that plane. The two had never met before. On another occasion, when Nick was exiting his car, a fellow resident inquired about the Purple Heart designation on his license plate. As they talked, he discovered the man was the hospital administrator where Nick recuperated after being injured in Korea.

“He felt a chill, and I did, too,” Nick recalls. “It was an emotional meeting.”

Nick has been supportive of the Veterans’ Garden since its inception.

“It is part of the Masonic tradition of honoring veterans for their service and perpetuating the memory of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “It is a way to recognize those who served before and after us.”

A beautiful and peaceful space, the garden includes a water fountain, pond, benches and a life-sized bronze statue of George Washington in his military regalia. An unveiling and dedication ceremony took place on  Oct. 7, 2017, during Masonic Village’s Community Festival.

You may purchase pavers to be inscribed with the name of donor(s), veteran(s) or loved one(s). Proceeds support the construction and maintenance of the garden.

For more information, please contact the Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 412-741-1400 ext. 3011, or visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org, and join Masonic Village in honoring our nation’s heroes.