Online-Application for Commemorative River Stone

Thank you for using our online system for your application to add your loved one's name to this memorial.  We will contact you to verify inscription information.

The Garden of Peace is a Massachusetts memorial to victims of homicide, a special place where families, friends, and the greater community can remember and celebrate the lives of those taken by violence. It is a living reminder of the impact of violence and a visual testament to the need for eliminating violence. The Garden is a symbol of hope for peace and renewal in our lives, our community, and the world.
The focus of the memorial is a dry streambed containing smooth river stones engraved with the names of victims of homicide. The streambed begins at a large granite lens, "Tragic Density," which symbolizes the enormous weight of sadness and grief. The streambed moves through the Garden and culminates at "Ibis Ascending," a skyward sculpture representing hope.

• All requests will be cleared through family members before a stone is engraved in an effort to confirm the family’s desire to place a stone naming a victim in The Garden, as well as to confirm victim name, dates, etc. No victim’s name will be added without a completed form on file.
• The payment to cover the expense of engraving a stone may be made by friends or family of victims.
• There will be only one stone per individual.
• Because the Garden of Peace is a Massachusetts memorial to homicide victims, it is expected that there is a connection to Massachusetts - either the victim or survivors resided here; or the victim was here at the time of the crime.
• Each stone contains the same information: victim's name, date of birth and date of death.
• Engravings are done once a year in coordination with an annual Honor Program
• Approximately 1,200 river stones are set in the streambed. Stones in the streambed will be inscribed on a first-come basis until all are used. Thereafter names will be inscribed on other hard surfaces in the Garden.

The payment for a stone is $200 to cover the cost of the stone, the engraving, and installation. It is important to us at the Garden of Peace that all stone requests be honored. All families and friends who wish to participate can; therefore, no request will be turned away. If you are unable to include the entire payment at this time, please continue to fill out and submit the form below and someone will contact you about possible financial assistance and payment plans.