St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary has received the Community of Conscience Award from the Georgia Council on Volunteer Services for the creation of St. Mary's Veterans Commemorative Garden.

The garden honors all persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Located inside the flag court in front of the hospital on Baxter Street, it was built entirely with funds raised by the Auxiliary and dedicated on Nov. 5, 2016 – just in time for Veterans Day. It features an original eagle statue by artist Mike Curtis, benches for rest and reflection, landscaping, potted flowers, and small shade trees.

"It's a joy to see all those who spend time in our garden," said Auxiliary Communications Chair Brenda Steele. "We just hope it brings them some measure of peace, hope and also a recognition of all those who continue to sacrifice so much for our continued way of life."

In addition to providing a place for visitors, patients and colleagues to reflect, the garden is the centerpiece of St. Mary's annual Veterans Day observation. Each year in early November, the Auxiliary lines the garden and the drive leading up to St. Mary's Hospital with hundreds of small American flags. Each flag commemorates the life and/or service of a member of our Armed Forces, including active duty service men and women as well as veterans.

The Community of Conscience Award was received by Cathy Hefner, who chaired the project, and Betty Davenport, the Auxiliary's immediate past president, at the Council on Volunteer Services' 2018 conference in Augusta Oct. 22-24. The council is part of the Georgia Hospital Association and consists of 70 hospital auxiliaries from across the state.