This simple but elegant Veterans Memorial is located in Shelter Cove Community Park on Hilton Head Island along  and overlooking a marsh and Broad Creek. The Memorial is composed of a walkway leading to a small circle with benches and four angled granite columns mounted on a curviilinear base.  In the center is a low square base with a flag pole on which flies a U.S. and P.O.W./M.I.A. flag. The Memorial is dedicated to all Veterans who have served the nation. On the front base of the Memorial are the seals of the military branches and on the back are inscribed the list of 20th and 21st century wars.  "The History of the Memorial" as presented on one of the plaques at the Memorial is provided below.

THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  MEMORIAL

In 2003, Military Veterans and Government Groups recognized the need to combine Memorial Day and Veterans Day Cermonies into single events, and in a single Town location.  The resulting effort caused the errection of the Veterans Memorial and the formation of the Hilton Head Island Military Veterans Coalition dedicated to the construction of the Veterans Memorial and the conduct  of the Memorial and Veterans Day Cermonies.  In a separate and nearly simultaneous effort, Capain Thomas Shanahan, USN (Ret.) approached the Town requesting that it provide a piece of Town Proprty to be the permenent home of a Vetrans Memorial.  The Town Council approved the request and after evaluation of several sites, the Shelter Cove Community Park site was selected.  After a design process that included the free gratis architectural services of Mr. Tom Crews, and approval process by the Town Planning and Design Departments, final approval by the Town Council was made in November of 2004.

The final design uses over 30 tons of granite, configured by a series of vertical "piers" on a curvilinear base, situated on either side of an American flag.  The Town's Park plan provides seating for more than 700 guests in a series of grassed terraces, defined by tabby and Savannah grey brick, establishing the Low Country design.  A vista of Broad Creek across a lagoon provides the dramatic backdrop.

Town Funding was provided from the Capital Improvements Program.  Carolina Marble and Granite, Inc. constructed the Memorial for no profit.  Additional acts of partership within the community were seen in the financing of the Memorial.  The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry contributed a significant amount towards the initial expense.  The member Organizations of the Coalition: The American Legion Post #185, the local chapter of The Military Officers Association of America, and The Hilton Head Council of the U.S. Navy League each contributed start up funds for the Memorial.  The majority of the financing was obtained by sales of paver bricks sold to private donors, honoring their designee's military contribution to our Country.  This effort was led by Captain William Baker, USNR (Ret.), the Treasurer of the Military Veterans Coalition.  Local media including The Island Packet, Hilton Head Monthly, and local TV station WHHI, supported fund raising efforts by providing free advertising and editorial support.  Private corporate and other non-profit organizations contributed donations to the effort.

The Memorial itself was completed by the 2005 Veterans Day Cermony, and the amphitheater and surrounding park was finished in time for the 2006 Memorial Day Cermony.  The American Legion Post #185, led by Commander Al Wattay, USN (Ret.) officiated the first combined Military Coalition Veterans Day Cermony, and Captain Peter Hyers, USN (Ret.), of The Navy League Council presided over the formal dedication of the Memorial and the Park on Memorial Day, 2006.  The concept, design, permitting, approvals, and financing were all accomplished within a year's time.  Actual construction was completed in nine months.  Final signage was completed in October 2008.  The Town of Hilton Head Island and the Military Veterans Coalition salute all Veterans of the Military Services of the United States of America with this Memorial

Please join the Hilton Head Veterans Coalition and the Town of Hilton Head Island in honoring Veterans of American Military Services on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Please call (843) 341-4600 for more details.

If you would like to honor a Veteran of American Military Service through the donation of a paver brick for the Memorial, please contact (843) 681-9100 for more details.

Click HERE for Photos.