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The Garden of Valor is a place of respect and honor for our nation’s service men and women as well as their families. Nestled in a quiet and private area of the park, the Garden of Valor makes quite an impression on visitors as they round our stately Avenue of Flags. Placed at specific intervals to offer a breath-taking patriotic display, each flagpole is dedicated to a specific veteran with a plaque showing to whom it is dedicated. The flags are raised each and every time we have a funeral for a veteran as well as on patriotic holidays such as Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day.
A burial space is provided for a nominal charge to all honorably discharged veterans who do not currently own with us. (see details below)
Help us honor local heroes 12/16/2023 at 12 Noon. For more details, Click here.
DETAILS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is there any cost involved in the veteran's burial space?
A: The charge for the burial space is only $10. The state mandates a $20 consumer protection fee as well as $40 for perpetual care. There is also a $95 processing fee which covers the records and deed, making the total cost $165.
Q: Do you offer anything for the spouse of a veteran?
A: Yes! The spouse of a veteran may purchase the adjoining space for $996, which is half the price of a space in that garden for a non-veteran.
Q: Can our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren be buried beside us?
A: Yes! Unlike a VA cemetery which only allows a veteran's spouse to be buried with the veteran, The Garden of Valor is for veterans and their families.
Q: Can we select our spaces ahead of time, and do we get to choose the location?
A: Absolutely! We strongly encourage families to select and reserve their space years in advance. Due to the beneficial nature of this program and the large number of veterans in the area, hundreds of veterans have already taken advantage ol this benefit and have reserved their space. The continuation of this program is subject to availability. Contact our team of Memorial Advisors at 865-483-6346 to schedule a selection appointment.
Q: Why is this a better option than using a VA cemetery?
A: The nearest VA cemetery is over 25 miles away from where we are located. For many of the families we serve, the closest VA cemetery, located on Gov. John Sevier Highway, is over 40 miles from home. That could mean an up to 80 mile round trip to visit the grave of a loved one. The VA also does not allow anyone other than the spouse of the veteran to be buried in the VA Cemetery, you do not get to choose the location, and there is no guarantee that there will be a space available as they are given as they are needed.
Q: The VA provides a free bronze memorial plaque. Can I use it here?
A: Yes! That is a very popular option. We will order your bronze plaque directly from the VA for you. The bronze must be mounted on a granite base which can be purchased through us. Our Family Service Department can provide all the necessary details and options.
Q: What is the normal price for a space in this garden, and how are you able to give them away?
A: A non-veteran who is not the spouse of a veteran would pay $2,490 plus the state fee of $20 and $95 for processing and deeding. We are able to give these spaces away because we are a non-profit memorial park. We simply cover our expenses and the remainder goes back into the park for capital improvements.
