Myrtle Beach, January 13, 2026
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, recently celebrated the groundbreaking for a new Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Warbird Park. This significant community-driven project aims to honor the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and provide a space for reflection and remembrance. Hundreds of attendees, including veterans and local officials, gathered for the ceremony, recognizing the importance of this tribute to service and sacrifice, which is expected to be completed by Veterans Day 2026.
Myrtle Beach Honors Vietnam Veterans with Long-Awaited Memorial Groundbreaking
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – In a testament to enduring civic initiative and profound gratitude, the city of Myrtle Beach recently hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This long-anticipated project in Warbird Park Myrtle Beach reflects a community-driven commitment to honoring service and sacrifice, marking a significant moment for Myrtle Beach community engagement and local heritage.
The event, held last week on a particularly warm January day, drew hundreds of attendees, including veterans, community members, and city officials, all gathered to witness the commencement of a memorial designed to offer a heartfelt “Welcome Home” to those who served. This initiative underscores how focused local leadership and the collaborative spirit of a community can swiftly bring meaningful projects to fruition, bypassing the delays that can sometimes hinder important civic endeavors.
A Solemn Groundbreaking in Warbird Park
On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial took place at Warbird Park in The Market Common. The site, strategically chosen for its visibility from Farrow Parkway and South Kings Highway, will serve as a prominent tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War. This momentous occasion welcomed approximately 300 veterans and guests, with some reports indicating over 500 curious residents were present to witness the start of construction.
The choice of Warbird Park for this memorial is particularly fitting. The park itself is a significant site for military aviation history, having once been part of the Myrtle Beach Army Airfield during World War II, a primary training base for bomber crews and airmen from 1941 to 1947. It already houses a dedicated World War II memorial, which was officially dedicated in November 2023, and features static displays of historic Air Force planes and a Wall of Service.
Community-Driven Design and Purpose
The design and conceptualization of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial South Carolina have been a deeply collaborative process, emphasizing community choice and direct input from veterans’ groups. Through several input meetings held since the proposal was first presented in November, city leaders and designers actively incorporated ideas from the public and those who served.
One of the most notable outcomes of this public engagement was the decision to name it the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, rather than the “Vietnam War Memorial.” This change reflects a strong community desire to focus on and honor the individuals who served, rather than memorializing the conflict itself. This personal initiative from citizens and veterans ensures the memorial truly resonates with its intended purpose: to acknowledge the profound sacrifices made.
The memorial’s design aims to be a place of visibility, remembrance, reflection, gratitude, storytelling, and education. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the site will serve not only as a place of honor but also as a space for future generations to learn about this pivotal period in history and the experiences of those who participated. This proactive stance on education and remembrance is a hallmark of strong Myrtle Beach community values.
Key Features and Anticipated Completion
The finalized plans for the memorial include several compelling features designed to evoke respect and provide a space for contemplation. The entrance to the memorial will prominently display the words “Welcome Home,” a powerful and poignant message for many Vietnam veterans who did not receive such a greeting upon their return decades ago.
Central to the design will be an 8-foot, multi-sided wall, which will be illuminated at night. This wall is slated to include images, engravings, and statues, further enhancing its visual impact and narrative depth. Alongside the wall, visitors will find a serene reflecting pool and a thoughtfully designed memorial garden, offering tranquil spaces for reflection. Stone benches will also be placed throughout the site, inviting visitors to pause and connect with the stories and sacrifices associated with the Vietnam War.
Additionally, based on public input, the memorial is expected to feature a helicopter, timeline and storytelling elements, the Iron Cross and peace sign, battalion patches, and a map, further enriching the visitor experience. Quotes from past presidents Jimmy Carter and Franklin Roosevelt will also be incorporated into the design, providing historical context and reaffirming the nation’s gratitude.
The project is moving with considerable momentum, a testament to the efficient coordination facilitated by local leadership. The planning phase began in early 2025. While the design phase was projected to take 8 to 10 months, and construction an additional 6 to 8 months, the anticipated completion dates are ambitious. The aim is to open the memorial by March 29, 2026, coinciding with National Vietnam War Veterans Day, or by Memorial Day, May 26, 2026, if the initial timeline shifts. The most recent projections suggest completion by Veterans Day 2026, with the installation of sculptures planned for the fall of 2026, though construction progress is subject to weather conditions.
Funding and Community Support
The realization of this memorial is a prime example of successful public-private collaboration and sustained civic engagement. The Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority demonstrated significant leadership by donating $600,000 towards the construction. This substantial initial contribution was complemented by other local donors, highlighting the spirit of individual initiative within the community.
In response to overwhelming public interest in financially supporting the project, the City of Myrtle Beach has established a mechanism for voluntary contributions. Tax-deductible donations are being accepted at City Hall and online, allowing community members to directly contribute to honoring Vietnam veterans. It is important to note that these public contributions are voluntary and not a requirement for the memorial’s funding, underscoring the city’s commitment to the project while providing an avenue for citizens to express their gratitude.
A Lasting Tribute to Valor and Resilience
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Myrtle Beach represents more than just a collection of structures; it is a profound declaration of respect and a long-overdue welcome to a generation of service members. The brisk execution of this project, from concept to groundbreaking in just over a year, exemplifies the power of local organizers and a proactive city government working in concert with engaged citizens.
This initiative not only fills a missing piece in the preservation of military history in Myrtle Beach but also solidifies Warbird Park as a central hub for honoring those who have defended our freedoms. Through sustained Myrtle Beach SC events and community gatherings at sites like this, the legacies of these veterans will continue to be recognized and celebrated for generations to come. The collective effort behind this memorial stands as a shining example of how personal initiative and responsible governance can lead to lasting benefits for the entire community.
We encourage all residents and visitors to reflect on the significance of this memorial as it takes shape and to consider how they can continue to support local initiatives that honor our veterans and strengthen our community bonds. Staying engaged in Myrtle Beach community development is key to fostering a vibrant and appreciative environment for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Myrtle Beach Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- What is the Myrtle Beach Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
- The Myrtle Beach Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a new monument being constructed in Warbird Park, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, dedicated to honoring Vietnam veterans.
- When was the groundbreaking ceremony for the memorial held?
- The groundbreaking ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
- Where is the memorial located?
- The memorial is located in Warbird Park in The Market Common, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It will be situated at the far end of the park, visible from Farrow Parkway and South Kings Highway.
- What are some key features of the memorial?
- Key features include an entrance with the words “Welcome Home,” an 8-foot, multi-sided illuminated wall, a reflecting pool, a memorial garden, stone benches, and quotes from past presidents Jimmy Carter and Franklin Roosevelt. Public input also suggested adding a helicopter, timeline/storytelling elements, the Iron Cross and peace sign, battalion patches, and a map.
- When is the memorial expected to be completed?
- The memorial is anticipated to be finished by Veterans Day 2026, though construction is subject to weather conditions. Most of the project is expected to be completed by late spring 2026, with the installation of sculptures planned for the fall of 2026.
- How is the memorial being funded?
- Funding includes a $600,000 donation from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority and contributions from local donors. The City of Myrtle Beach is also accepting voluntary, tax-deductible donations from the public.
- Why was the name changed from “Vietnam War Memorial” to “Vietnam Veterans Memorial”?
- The name was changed based on public input to emphasize honoring the individuals who served in the war, rather than memorializing the war itself.
Key Features of the Myrtle Beach Vietnam Veterans Memorial
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Warbird Park in The Market Common, Myrtle Beach, visible from Farrow Parkway and South Kings Highway. | Local |
| Groundbreaking Date | Wednesday, January 7, 2026. | Local |
| Anticipated Completion | Veterans Day 2026, with most of the project by late spring 2026 and sculpture installation in fall 2026. | Local |
| Entrance Message | Words “Welcome Home.” | Local |
| Main Structure | An 8-foot, multi-sided illuminated wall. | Local |
| Additional Elements | Reflecting pool, memorial garden, stone benches, images, engravings, statues. | Local |
| Public Input Features | A helicopter, timeline/storytelling, Iron Cross, peace sign, battalion patches, map. | Local |
| Funding Contribution | $600,000 from Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority and local donors. | Local |
| Donation Method | Voluntary, tax-deductible donations accepted by the City of Myrtle Beach. | Local |
| Name Change Basis | Public input to honor individuals who served, not the war itself. | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
