Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful memorial to Indian River County men and women who paid the ultimate price in serving our country. The Sanctuary includes several monuments and benches for quiet contemplation overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is located adjacent to Riverside Park , just south of the Merrill Barber Bridge. Coming from Ocean Drive or A1A, just follow Dahlia Lane west into Riverside Park until the end, and you will see a small footbridge leading to the island. Ample free parking is available.
From The City of Vero Beach Memorial Island Web Page:
“After World War II, the Intracoastal Waterway was slated for dredging and Mr. Alex MacWilliam, Sr., a veteran and member of the Florida Legislature, persuaded the Federal Government to realign the existing Vero Beach channel to make way for a modern drawbridge and to create a Memorial Island with the surplus dredging material.
This Island was purchased by the City of Vero Beach on May 5, 1947 and it was dedicated in the early 1960’ss as Memorial Island Park. On August 19, 2003 a Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Advisory Committee was formed to assist the City Council and the Veterans Council with reviewing documentation for proposed memorials to be constructed on the Island. On July 6, 2004 the name was changed to Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.
Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is now a quiet haven for reflection on the sacrifices made by the men and women in the Armed Forces of our Country. It contains memorials to the men and women of Indian River County who died in combat while defending our Country. It has been said that this is one of the most beautiful Veteran Sanctuaries in the Country.
We welcome you to come and take a walk on the Island or sit on a bench and reflect on the sacrifices of our Veterans of the Armed Forces. Please be mindful that this Island was created for quiet contemplation, and all uses must be in keeping with the purpose and intent of a Veterans Sanctuary and therefore general recreational activities are not permitted.”
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