Milford Senior Center recently announced that they were installing a mural in the center’s Veteran’s Cove area that would not only pay homage to local veterans, but in recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Kathy Miller, Trip and Activities Coordinator, came up with the idea of the mural as a way to upgrade the Veterans’ Cove and to celebrate the founding of the United States.
“The mural serves several purposes. First and foremost, to honor those that served our country,” Miller said. “We also see it as an educational tool for those visiting the center in the future, especially children. Our hope is that schools will want to come to see the mural and learn from it for years to come.”
Miller stated that select members have been invited to assist the artist with painting which will make this a collaborative effort.
“I don’t recall exactly when it was in 2025, but I came up with the idea that the center should do a mural to commemorate our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday in July 2026,” Miller said. “I remember how much as a child I enjoyed our country’s Bicentennial celebration and thought our members would appreciate us doing something significant for the 250th. It would be something that would be here forever and an important part of history. I learned of a company that does murals and reached out to them. In their email reply, they asked what our budget was and $5,000 was the lowest starting amount. At that point, I knew we would need to achieve this another way.”
Miller gave a tour to someone named Jane and her daughter, Heather, who were moving to the area.
“During the tour, I learned that Heather was an artist,” Miller said. “As our conversation continued, Heather said she does murals and she offered to donate her time and talent to the project. Call it karma or kismet or divine intervention, but the pieces just fell into place organically!”
The vision was to not only make this about the nation’s history, but also to incorporate Delaware and the contributions of Milfordians to the overall history of the country.
“The mural’s key features will be the American flag; a soaring eagle holding a scroll; silhouettes of our military soldiers throughout the years; military insignias representing all branches of the Armed Services,” Miller said. “It will have fireworks, which is totally American but also a shout out to our city’s Riverwalk Freedom Festival; the Albert Paul, built at Abbott’s Shipyard in Milford; the Blue Hen; and Caesar Rodney. Smaller elements like the ladybug and other “Easter Eggs” will be hidden within the mural to add a fun experience for visitors.”
Sponsorships are being accepted for the mural. Various sponsorship levels will receive recognition based on their level and some offer the opportunity to speak at the unveiling cemetery. There are also options that will include a commemorative plaque in the Veteran’s Cove area which will be there for all time. Additional benefits include recognition on the center website, social media and promotional materials.
Sponsorship levels include The Ladybug Wall Walker at $25; Milford Benefactor at $100; First State Friend at $300; Colonial Contributor at $500; Patriot Supporter at $1,000; Liberty Leader at $10,000 and Independence Visionary Partner at $25,000. To learn what benefits each sponsorship level offers, contact Executive Director Amy Walz at 302-422-3385.
“The exact date has not been finalized yet, but the plan is for the mural to be unveiled mid- to late-June which will be in time to celebrate the nation’s 250th,” Miller said. “At the current rate, it will be completed well before that. The excitement around this project is contagious! Heather is here about four days per week and is welcoming. She invites anyone to learn about the project and happily shares insights into the vision behind the mural. Unintended bonuses of this project are that members are stepping out of their comfort zone to offer their talents, and we are learning more about our members!
