North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Carl MacLeod
and Matt Davis
A local veterans organization is seeking community support to help build a permanent memorial honoring the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as veterans, first responders and others who have served during times of crisis.
Space Air Land Sea HQ Veterans Post 1, known as SALS, is working with the Little River Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer committee to plan the Veterans, First Responders & Patriots 9/11 Memorial at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens.
Organizers say the memorial is intended to provide a lasting place of remembrance and reflection for families, residents and visitors. The project will honor veterans, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, health care workers, volunteers and every day citizens who step forward in service to others.
The proposed site is near the C.B. Berry Community and Historical Center at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens. Organizers said they have coordinated with Horry County Parks and Recreation, the Vereen Memorial Gardens Board and local partners regarding the location.
SALS is a 501(c)(19) nonprofit veterans’ organization. Donations made through SALS for the memorial project are tax-deductible, and documentation is available upon request.
The project will be funded entirely through private donations from individuals, civic groups, veterans organizations and local businesses. Organizers said the memorial will be built in phases so construction can begin as funds, materials and volunteer support become available.
In addition to the land-based memorial, organizers are also planning the next Little River Patriot Day Festival, an annual event connected to the memory of September 11 and the spirit of service shown in the days and years that followed.
SALS is also supporting the Patriots Reef Project, a separate memorial designed for boaters by the Carolina Reef Foundation in collaboration with the Little River Chamber of Commerce.
Through these efforts, organizers hope to recognize those who responded in New York City, at The Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, as well as local first responders, volunteers and community members who continue to serve during emergencies, disasters and other times of need.
Community members can support the memorial project through donations, sponsorships, volunteer labor, professional skills or donated materials.
