Galleria Fort Lauderdale will host a special ribbon cutting ceremony to launch The Poppy Project Pop-Up Living Garden in support of Henderson Behavioral Health (HBH) in collaboration with the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD28) Support Committee on Thursday, September 10, at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to join City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and community leaders with singer Zachary Kopelman, as they unveil this public art initiative designed to honor veterans while raising awareness and funds for critical mental health services. The cherished photo opportunity with the larger-than-life artistic poppy flowers will run through November 10 at Galleria Fort Lauderdale (2414 East Sunrise Blvd.)

Designed by South Florida based Ingham Landscaping and presented by Galleria Fort Lauderdale, the two-month living garden will be a colorful and lively setting featuring the five-and 6-foot striking handcrafted fiberglass poppy flowers which are a remembrance of those who protect and serve our country. The inside mall garden will include a variety of tropical ornamental plants and shrubs that will complement the artistic poppy works of art sponsored by key community partners, sponsors, and supporters including The Leo Goodwin Foundation, Arlene Pecora, the Henderson Behavioral Health Board of Directors, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD28) Support Committee, Community Foundation of Broward, Disabled American Veterans-Gold Coast Chapter 133, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale

Mall guests can take colorful photos and selfies to share online and connect with and donate to HBH’s virtual Legacy Wall which encourages friends and families to honor loved ones who have served or are currently serving our country. Special retail offers will coincide with this community project.

Adding to the installation, will be “Soldier Stories,” an exclusive exhibition by award-winning artist Marilyn Johansen honoring veterans and the military. Visitors will also be encouraged to select free postcards and add a personal message to current servicemen and women. This special moment is arranged by the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD28) Support Committee.

Inspired by the poppy’s historical significance as a symbol of sacrifice, rooted in the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” and later adopted as a national emblem of remembrance, HBH’s The Poppy Project brings this tradition to life in a local and meaningful way.

To learn more, call (954) 564-1015 or visit www.hendersonbh.org.