In the east end of Nesquehoning, nestled in wooded area just off Route 209, sits a site that has become a labor of love to honor area veterans over the last several months.

The plot of land, owned by the Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008, was transformed from a tree- and brush-covered area into the first phase of a project that aims to bring attention to the men and women who served this country, as well as honor all first responders and normalize talking about post-traumatic stress disorder and ways to help.

RT Bliss of the VFW, as well as Abbie and Joe Guardiani, representing the Panther Valley Blueprint Community, met at the location recently to talk about the significance of having a place for people to gather.

“I’m really pleased with where we got to from where we started and where we are right now,” Bliss said. “It’s really something.”

Phase 1 of the project included the construction of a pole building, removal of several large trees, clearing the land, pouring a concrete ADA accessible ramp, installing a flagpole for the lower memorial site and garden preparations. Most of the work was covered through community donations, as well as a $74,000 Local Share Account grant the VFW received.

“There were a lot of big trees that had to come down for site preparation,” said Abbie Guardiani, pointing out that there was a lot of work that needed to be done before the property could begin to take shape for the memorial.

She added that the project almost didn’t happen because of COVID-19 delaying the VFW from using the grant when it was received, and it wasn’t until Bliss and a few other VFW members decided to run with the project that it actually became more than a dream.

The group also worked with the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners in Carbon County to help eradicate two invasive plants — Japanese knotweed and Japanese stiltgrass, as well as prepare the site for a future Pennsylvania native plants garden and community education site.

“When the Blueprint Community heard about the project, we had the opportunity to do a Department of Environmental Protection grant to assist the master gardeners to install this garden,” Joe Guardiani said. “The grant will educate the community about climate change and the use of native species that are drought resistant and noninvasive.”

He said that in the spring, while the VFW works on the next phase of their project, the master gardeners and Blueprint Community will work to create a garden that will allow for education, as well as peace for veterans wishing to be surrounded by nature using the $6,000 DEP Community Stewardship Grant it secured.

“The goal is to sustain soil, help address climate change, make sure we have an education piece around drought resistant and native plants from Pennsylvania,” said Joe Guardiani, noting that this portion will be completed in the spring.

He added that he hopes the garden will also be a place where veterans can go to find peace of mind.

Upcoming plans for the site include installing a railing for the ADA ramp, creating walkways and pouring a concrete slab that will be used for statues that will be installed around the flagpole.

Bliss said that the 3-foot tall statues represent every military branch as well as first responders.

An angel statue was also donated for the serenity garden that is planned.

“Look at this property,” Bliss said, pointing up to the upper area of the land. “Up by the beautiful pole building, it is all leveled and cleared. What the vets would love to do is have a picnic pavilion area and install walkways. There is a lot of what we would love to do in the future.”

He also pointed out a fire ring that had been used by VFW members and Boy Scouts to properly dispose of American flags and said that area will also be updated in the spring.

“When we decided to do this, that’s what we had in mind,” Bliss said, noting that decades ago the VFW hosted Easter egg hunts for children on the property. “We want to make something nice for the community.”

Abbie Guardiani added that it will be a site for memorial programs for veterans and first responders, as well as a gem for anyone who wants to come to visit.

The three agreed that one thing is needed for this project to continue — funding.

“We need to look for more funding sources,” Abbie Guardiani said.

They commended the people who already donated to the project, as well as companies that donated time, equipment and services.

“It never could have happened without the good people of this town and beyond,” Abbie Guardiani said. “This was truly an act of love, but when it’s for veterans, people step up.”

For those looking to help further the project, donations are still being accepted at the VFW Post home or at the Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, where the group still maintains a tree fund. The fund will be used to help with costs of the project’s second phase.