WWII Tribute
The WWII Tribute on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary
OUR GOAL
To recognize and honor the men and women who served and saved us in that time of peril.
To be a source of inspiration for future leaders.
And offer a gathering place to learn of duty to country and neighbor.
OUR OBJECTIVE
When Lt. MacWIlliam returned from the “Great War” his vision was to create an island to honor the fallen.
Now over 50 years later, we seek to sustain his vision of a gathering place for contemplating the sacrifice.
CURRENT NEEDS
-
A permanent stage is needed for ceremonies.
-
And a fitting WWII tribute is needed bridging the cenotaph square and the honor circle.
ABOUT THE WWII TRIBUTE
With the attack on Pearl Harbor, on Dec 7, 1941, the United States was drawn into World War II. German submarines prowled the waters offshore and the Vero Beach Naval Air Station trained pilots to defeat the Japanese. This World War II Tribute honors those who dedicated their lives in defense of our nation. The medals displayed reflect the scale of global conflict: the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific Theaters of Operation. The Buccaneer was the Naval Air Station logo. The Eagle served as the Honorable Discharge Pin. The WWII Victory Medal reverse displays our nation’s motive to preserve freedom from fear and want and freedom of speech and religion. Over forty veterans from Indian River County made the supreme sacrifice. More than one hundred died preparing to be naval aviators. The Tribute sustains the Sanctuary’s intent to NEVER FORGET. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard Members and Merchant Mariners stood in the breech 1941-1945. The Homefront provided the means to succeed. May we always gather to honor selfless service and preserve the liberties they defended. Private citizens, businesses, family foundations, civic and veteran organizations with talent, toil and treasure created the Tribute. United, our hearts and spirits pay homage to those who sacrificed dearly so that we may prosper.
The video “Understanding the Sacrifice” is presented by the Indian River Historical Society, created by Verola Media in coordination with the WWII Tribute Team. The generous donation is greatly appreciated.
Let’s Work Together
The Vero Art Triangle is a community project that will be complete with the addition of the WWII Tribute accompanied by Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Our community has been very generous and donations continue to roll in. Your gift will help finish this work of art on the Memorial Island Sanctuary. It will be the centerpiece of the Island as well as a venue for community events and educational opportunities. Your gift helps preserve the legacy of our Greatest Generation and helps to honor our fallen while also serving our living heroes and community.
Together we can make this happen.
Or mail your check, payable to CCIRC - WWII Tribute to:
Cultural Council of Indian River County
2400 15th Avenue, Suite 2
Vero Beach, FL 32960
THE CULTURAL COUNCIL OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SERVES AS THE FISCAL SPONSOR FOR THE WWII TRIBUTE PROJECT OF THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (IRCMOAA). CULTURAL COUNCIL OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY IS A 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, FEDERAL TAX ID #59-3299133. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, OR BY VISITING WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. #CH5921.