The communities of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Mayport are cordially invited to attend the dedication of the Beaches Fallen Wartime Heroes Monument at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Beaches Veterans Memorial Park.
This profound community event will honor the sacrifice of 63 local heroes who gave their lives in service across multiple conflicts, from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism.
A New Tribute for a Timeless Sacrifice
Spearheaded by the Beaches Veterans Memorial Park Committee and the City of Atlantic Beach with contributions by the cities of Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach, the monument is a collective tribute from the Beaches communities, serving as a permanent record of the ultimate sacrifice made by their sons and daughters.
The monument expands upon the area's rich history of military remembrance, which dates to a September 22, 1947, dedication for 22 Jacksonville Beach residents lost in World War II. Seventy-eight years later, this new monument will commemorate the fallen from Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach, and Mayport who served in:
- World War II
- The Korean War
- The Vietnam War
- The Cold War
- The Global War on Terrorism
The monument ensures that these local heroes are remembered with the dignity they deserve and provides a place of reflection, healing, and gratitude for their families, friends, and the entire community. Many of the fallen were graduates of Fletcher High School.
“This monument is more than stone and metal; it's a promise that their names and sacrifices will never be forgotten,” said Lenny Jevic, the Beaches Veterans Memorial Park Committee historian. “It creates a sacred place for families, friends, and all residents to reflect and stand in gratitude for the freedom these heroes secured.”
Beaches Veterans Memorial Park, located at Atlantic Boulevard and Mayport Road, is already a significant hub for military appreciation, featuring a Memorial Garden, a Walk of Honor, monuments for each branch of the Armed Services, and hosting annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.
The City of Atlantic Beach is proud to honor and memorialize the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. military personnel, as well as support them and their veterans. The webpage www.coab.us/militaryappreciation is dedicated to the men and women who have answered the call to leave their families and put their futures and even their lives on the line to defend our nation and its inalienable rights valiantly.
Event Details
The ceremony is a community event, and all members of the public, especially veterans, military families, and current service members, are strongly encouraged to attend.
What: | Dedication of the Beaches Fallen Wartime Heroes Monument |
When: | Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. |
Where: | Beaches Veterans Memorial Park, 1 W. 1st St., Atlantic Beach (Adjacent to American Legion Post 316) |
Contact: Kevin Hogencamp, Atlantic Beach Deputy City Manager khogencamp@coab.us (904) 247-5804