World
Vero Beach unveils memorial honoring World War II veterans at Vererans Day ceremony
VERO BEACH — After two years of construction, the Veterans Island World War II Memorial was unveiled Monday in conjunction with the community’s Veterans Day Ceremony.
Around 1,500 individuals packed onto the island, honoring “the selfless warriors, who are forever marked with greatness,” according to retired Surgeon General of the Army Gen. Eric Schoomaker, the keynote speaker.
“May this memorial remind us to strive for the greatness these men achieved,” said Schoomaker, “These ordinary men were summoned to fight and answered the call, and it is only right we honor them today.”
Around 100 World War II veterans attended the ceremony and were honored with medallions. Many had their names read aloud by retired Col. Tony Young, a former Vero Beach mayor.
The memorial unveiling was delayed by Hurricane Milton and rescheduled for Monday.
Two years in the making
Groundbreaking for the memorial was held in March, with Young promising completion in time for Veterans Day.
“Today is the culmination of a lot of talent, hard work and grit,” said Young following the ceremony. “Now, we have a monument fit for the World War II Veterans of Indian River County, and a tribute like nowhere else in the world.”
The memorial consists of a permanent shellstone stage, an awning, four large black granite columns adorned with bronze combat medals and four small columns with symbols, including that of the Vero Beach Naval Air Station — now the airport.
Some 42 soldiers from the county lost their lives in War II.
The ceremony was hosted by the Veterans Council of Indian River County and Military Officers Association of America.
Keynote address
Schoomaker retired from the Army in 2012 following a distinguished career where he was the 42nd surgeon general of the army; commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command, North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reid Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
“I am humbled to be here today,” said Schoomaker in his address. “These men who served in World War II are veterans of virtue and I am grateful to be in their presence.”
New ownership
Ownership and upkeep of the memorial were transferred to the city in October.
City Manager Monte Falls beamed with pride during the ceremony.
“This memorial is a testament to the work Tony Young and the entire team did over the last two years,” said Falls. “I could not be more proud to have this in the city.’
Indian River County is home to more than 14,000 veterans, who make up 9.2% of the population.
“Veterans are an important aspect of the community, and this island gives them the recognition they deserve,” said Mayor John Cotugno. “The city is humbled to be the custodian of the island and this memorial and host such a great ceremony and celebration.”
Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.
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