Welcome to the All Veterans Memorial Park

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." President Ronald Reagan

Memorial Captures Nation's Rich History, Service and Patriotism

The All Veterans Memorial is New Jersey's premier veteran's memorial, located at Turkey Brook Park in Mount Olive, New Jersey, and touted for its distinctive designs and calming landscape. The unique ceremonial ground is the host to historically denoted military ceremonies and vigils. Visitors of all ages come to learn about American history and to pay their respects to those who honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The All Veterans Memorial Park was created by volunteers and built with 100% private and in-kind donations.

The First Phase of the Main Complex

Did you know that the overall shape of the All Veterans Memorial was inspired by the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration awarded for extraordinary acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty? Presented in the name of Congress, the medal represents the gratitude of the American people for exceptional service and sacrifice.

Inspired by this distinguished honor, the memorial's signature Star, or Pentagon Platform, symbolizes the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces—Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard—through five equally divided sections. Each area features engraved pavers honoring individuals who served honorably during times of war and peace.

From the Pentagon Platform, the memorial extends to the Global War on Terror Memorial Bridge, dedicated to the 172 New Jersey service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. The bridge then leads to the Presidential Preamble Stage (VALOR Bar), an educational tribute recognizing every U.S. President for their service and leadership to the nation, creating a continuous journey through American military history, sacrifice, and civic leadership.

CHARLES H. JOHNSON MEMORIAL GAZEBO sponsored by Linda & Bill Sohl and Thea Dunkle

Just shy of seeing the completion of the AVM complex, Charles "Charlie" H. Johnson, the former mayor of Mount Olive who proudly served as a sergeant in the Air Force 9th Division during World War II passed away. In lieu of flowers, Mayor Johnson's family and friends requested donations to go towards a gazebo that would memorialize his honorable service to country and community. Sergeant Charles H. Johnson earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Force Medal while serving his country. The Charles H. Johnson Veterans Gazebo was dedicated on May 26, 2008.

PATH TO ENDURING FREEDOM

PHASE II - DEDICATED NOVEMBER 11, 2009

THE PATH TO ENDURING FREEDOM: Partially sponsored by the Mount Olive Senior Citizens

The Path to Enduring Freedom, dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, was built in part as a ceremonial path leading onto the main ceremonial stage of the AVM. The Path to Enduring Freedom denotes all U.S. military conflicts beginning with the Revolutionary War and ending with the Global War on Terror. The beautifully designed ceremonial walkway is chronologically and equally divided to represent each war. 10" x 16" marker pavers provide conflict statistics as reported by the United States Department of Defense. Opportunities to purchase 4" x 8" Honorable Service Pavers are still available ~~The Path to Enduring Freedom is updated annually during the second week of May.

Learn More About Honorable Service Pavers

WAR DOG MEMORIAL

PHASE III—DEDICATED MAY 30, 2016

Since World War I, tens of thousands of dogs have served in the United States Armed Forces alongside their handlers in K-9 units. Thousands of dogs have died in combat saving the lives of our military troops. FREEDOM BENCHES sponsored by Christy Burkart, Mt. Olive Kiwanis, Timothy Teen of InSitech, and Chester M. Stephan’s Elementary School ~ The four natural blue stones are representative of President Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union address, also known as the Four Freedoms speech. They include freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. This speech was significant in that FDR went beyond the regular freedoms insured by the Constitution and claimed these new rights as American values.

Dog statue with flowers and memorial plaque.

PHASE IV - DEDICATED MAY 26, 2018

Sponsored by Eagle Scout Eric John Daniels, Wood was completed on 15 April 2017. The Spiritual Cenotaph symbolizes religious pluralism, serving all faiths, spiritualities, beliefs, and religions of all fallen warriors—known and unknown. On 26 April 2017, more than 132 written books and scripts procured from their native origin and texts of acknowledgement of all convictions were permanently entombed as part of the monument. Army Chaplain Adam Charman, combat veteran, delivered the benediction, proclaiming, “Their spirits live in the hearts they left behind.” On 29 May 2017 a formal dedication was held.

Commemorative structure in a landscaped park

WARRIOR OBELISK

PHASE V—DEDICATED MAY 28, 2018

WARRIOR OBELISK

WARRIOR OBELISK is a one-of-a-kind monument that represents the four consequences of war—P.O.W., M.I.A., K.I.A., and W.I.A.

M.I.A.

P.O.W.

K.I.A.

W.I.A.

LIBERTY WALL

PHASE VI - DEDICATED MAY 26, 2017

Stone plaques honoring military veterans

NORTH STAR SEATING

PHASE VII - DEDICATED MAY 25, 2015

NORTH STAR SEATING sponsored by Home Depot, Techo-Bloc, UNILOCK New York, Meier Stone and the Uhrmann Family

NORTH STAR SEATING sponsored by Home Depot, Techo-Bloc, UNILOCK New York, Meier Stone and the Uhrmann Family ~ The North Star Seating area was dedicated to those who lost a loved one during war and the New Jersey Gold Star Mothers on May 25, 2015. The dedication was led by U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. General Gustave F. Perna in memory and honor of their loss. The beautifully designed 20' x 50' seating area and its unique, thought-provoking figures evoke one's sense of loss, contemplation, and faith; many visitors have expressed a calming effect immediately upon entering. The North Star Seating area provides secure seating and several wheelchair spaces for veterans and their family members.