Set Up Guide

Dedicate a Tree or Bench at Veterans Memorial Park Program

Program Overview: Veterans Memorial Parks hold a special place in the heart of every community. By offering families the opportunity to dedicate a tree or bench in honor of their Veterans, cities, park systems, and Veterans organizations can create a meaningful program that blends remembrance with community pride. These dedications provide lasting tributes that invite reflection, gratitude, and connection while ensuring that the sacrifices of service members are never forgotten.

Set Up Guide for a Dedicate a Tree or Bench at Veterans Memorial Park Program

1. Define Your Program's Vision & Purpose

When launching a dedication program within a Veterans Memorial Park, it is important to balance accessibility for families with respect for the park’s commemorative mission.

Outline Eligibility: Clearly define who can be honored through the program—such as veterans, active-duty service members, Gold Star families, or community members with military service. Publish criteria so families know whether their loved one qualifies.
Identify Dedication Sites: Map locations where benches and trees will enhance the setting—scenic walkways, central plazas, quiet groves, or near memorial monuments.
Define Options: Standardize bench styles, tree types, and finishes to ensure durability and a cohesive look throughout the park.
Select Dedication Plaques: Decide on plaque materials, sizes, and inscription guidelines. Share examples so families can picture how their tribute will appear.
Outline Policies: Establish expectations for installation timelines, maintenance schedules, tree care, and bench lifespan.
Set Pricing: Ensure costs cover benches, trees, plaques, installation, and long-term care or replacement. Transparency builds trust and sustainability.

Did You Know?

Many Veterans organizations include tree and bench dedications in annual Veterans Day or Memorial Day observances, giving families an opportunity to honor their loved ones during community wide events.

2. Create a Seamless Dedication Process

Families come to Veterans Memorial Parks seeking a lasting and respectful way to honor their loved ones. A clear and well structured process builds trust and ensures that the program reflects the honor intended.

Online Webpage: A central webpage can present all details in one place. Families can review tree and bench options, plaque designs, dedication policies, and available locations without confusion.
Offer Online Payments: Allow donors to check out online with credit/debit cards, ACH Transfer, and automatically provide tax receipts.
Dedication Details: Collect the donor’s information, the name of the individual being honored, and the plaque inscription.
Map Out Locations: Sharing a visual map of the Veterans Memorial Park with potential sites marked for dedications allows families to choose a place that feels most meaningful to them.

Manage Memorial Programs Effortlessly

Consistency is vital in Veterans Memorial Parks. A digital system secures dedication records, keeps inventories current, and reduces the risk of misplaced details—building long-term trust with families.

3. Keep Your Program Running Smoothly

A well-managed program eliminates the headaches of manual tracking, miscommunication, and back-and-forth questions. With a clear system in place, administrators save time while participants enjoy a smooth and reliable experience. Organization behind the scenes makes memorial giving easier for everyone and keeps the focus on what matters most.

Keep Track of Memorial Items: Maintaining accurate records of each bench and tree, along with donor information, installation dates, and care plans, ensures the integrity of the program over time.
Coordinate Installations: Work with crews or vendors to install benches and trees accurately and on time and stay on top of maintenance schedules.
Celebrate and Share: Incorporating dedications into existing Veterans Day or Memorial Day ceremonies strengthens the bond between the park, the families, and the broader community.