Residents of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Mayport are invited to attend the unveiling of a new monument dedicated to local wartime heroes this Saturday, according to city officials. The Beaches Fallen Wartime Heroes Monument will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on Oct. 11 at Beaches Veterans Memorial Park in a ceremony recognizing 63 fallen service members from various conflicts including World War II and the Global War on Terrorism.
In the works for some time, the monument is a collaborative effort by the Beaches communities, with the Beaches Veterans Memorial Park Committee and the City of Atlantic Beach playing pivotal roles, and the cities of Jacksonville Beach, and Neptune Beach also contributing. "This monument is more than stone and metal; it's a promise that their names and sacrifices will never be forgotten," Lenny Jevic, the committee's historian, told the City of Atlantic Beach's publication. Jevic highlighted the monument’s importance as a sacred spot for remembrance and appreciation.
The new monument adds to a legacy of military remembrance in the area, building on a tradition that dates back to the post-World War II era. Set within Beaches Veterans Memorial Park at Atlantic Boulevard and Mayport Road, the site already serves as a significant hub for honoring military service, featuring a Memorial Garden, a Walk of Honor, and various other monuments for each branch of the Armed Services. Additionally, it’s the focal point for annual observances like Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations.
The ceremony is posed to be a community-affirming event, with public engagement highly encouraged, especially for veterans, military families, and active service members. Details of the dedication event can be found on the City of Atlantic Beach's webpage, which also homages U.S. military personnel and veterans. The city's commitment to these individuals is clear; extolling their willingness to put lives on the line for national defense and the protection of fundamental rights.
For those interested in attending, the dedication will take place at Beaches Veterans Memorial Park, located adjacent to American Legion Post 316. Anyone seeking further information or wishing to make contact ahead of the event can reach out to Kevin Hogencamp, Atlantic Beach Deputy City Manager at [email protected] or by calling (904) 247-5804.
