Support sought to build Little River’s planned 9/11 Memorial

By Carl MacLeod

and Matt Davis

A new effort is underway to turn a long-planned 9/11 tribute in Little River into a physical landmark and organizers say community donations will determine how soon construction can begin.

Space Air Land Sea HQ Veterans Post 1 (SALS), working alongside the Little River Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer committee, is asking residents, veterans, groups, civic organizations and local businesses to help fund the memorial’s first phase, including site preparation and core materials.

Planned as the Veterans, First Responders & Patriots 9/11 Memorial, the project is intended to offer a place for remembrance and reflection. Organizers say the tribute will honor those lost-on Sept. 11, 2001, while also recognizing the service of veterans, first responders, health care workers, volunteers and citizens who answer the call in moments of crisis.

The memorial is proposed for an area near the C.B. Berry Community and Historical Center at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens. SALS said it remains in conversation with Horry County Parks and Recreation, the Vereen Memorial Gardens Board and other local partners as planning and logistics continue.

SALS is a 501(c)(19) nonprofit veterans organization, and contributions designated for the memorial are tax-deductible. Organizers said receipts and supporting documentation can be provided upon request, and they are encouraging supporters to not only donate but also help spread the word to neighbors, churches, clubs and workplaces.

Unlike publicly funded monuments, the Little River memorial will be paid for through private giving. Organizers said they plan to build in stages, allowing progress to begin as soon as key fundraising goals are reached and donated materials, professional services and volunteer help are secured.

Organizers are also preparing for the next Little River Patriot’s Day Festival, which they describe as a community event rooted in remembrance and service. Sponsorships and proceeds associated with festival activities may provide additional support for the memorial project.

Separately, SALS is supporting the Patriots Reef Project with a boating-focused memorial being developed by the Carolina Reef Foundation in collaboration with the Little River Chamber of Commerce.

Together, the projects are meant to reflect on the events in New York City, at The Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, while honoring the ongoing work of local first responders, volunteers and community members who step up during disasters and emergencies.

Those who want to help can contribute online, become a sponsor, or offer in-kind materials and skills. Organizers said even small donations and simple acts like sharing the link will help accelerate the timeline and bring the memorial from a rendering to a real place of remembrance.

How You Can Help —

Donate: Give a tax-deductible donation through SALS to help fund the memorial’s first phase (site work and initial build materials).

Sponsor: Organizations can sponsor portions of the memorial or Patriot’s Day Festival, including in-kind support such as materials, equipment or services.

Volunteer: Contribute labor, trade skills or donated materials and help by forwarding the donation information to your network.

Contact SALS at 203- 464-1241 or at SALS.HQ.Veterans.Post.1@gmail.com. You can also donate online at spaceairlandseahqveteranspost1.com/donate-to-the-vfrp-memorial.

Scan the QR code to donate today.