Veteran's Memorial Island is located in Vero Beach Fl. When you walk out onto the island there is a marker. That marker reads: River travel was vital to the early human activity of Florida and the Indian River area. In the early 1900's, efforts began to dredge the Indian River. By the 1930's, the U.S. Corps of Engineers routinely maintained this channel called the Intracoastal Waterway. After World War II the channel was once again slated for dredging and Alex MacWilliam, Sr., a veteran and member of the Florida Legislature, proposed a special project and persuaded the federal government to realign the existing Vero Beach channel to make way for a modern drawbridge (the first Merrill P. Barber Bridge) and to create a memorial island with the surplus dredging material. Lest We Forget are the words used in the dedication of this island on May 3, 1964. This one man and hundreds of citizens in Indian River County did not forget and 17 years later created Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary. The Vero Beach Beautification Society and the Garden Club coordinated the beautification of the property. Today the Stars and Stripes wave proudly over this Island Sanctuary which can be seen from the deep channel of the Intracoastal Waterway and the two modern bridges now spanning the Indian River.
A Florida Heritage Site
Sponsored By The Indian River County Historical Society
The Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Advisory Committee
And The Florida Department Of State.
On Memorial Day and Veteran's Day members of the community gather on this island to honor the men and women who serve in the military and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom's we enjoy today.
Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is a historical site. Many who visit find it very beautiful. There is a walking trail around the island. There are benches for you to sit on and just take in the gorgeous view of the Indian River.
Some people fish from her shores. Nearby are bathroom facilities, boat ramp, walking trails, tennis courts, Art Museum, and Riverside Theater.
Kim and Jaxs say "Thank You to the men and women who serve and have served in the military to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today"
Creative Images by Jaxs and Kim
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