City of Port St. Lucie, FL
04/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/09/2024 10:14
Florida’s Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial dedication to be held April 20
A monument designed to honor Floridians who served in our nation's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be dedicated on April 20 at Veterans Memorial Park in Port St. Lucie.
The Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial Foundation surveyed more than 50 potential locations across Florida before choosing Port St. Lucie as home for the new monument.
Made from India Black Granite, the same material as that of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the new monument will include campaign ribbons, the outlines of each country and service emblems.
It will also list the 355 names of Floridians who were killed in each war, honoring their service and sacrifice. The monument is the first in Florida to honor the individual military personnel lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
"This memorial will be a place of reflection, honor and appreciation, ensuring that those who served in these wars are never forgotten," said Port St. Lucie City Councilman David Pickett, an Army veteran who served two combat tours. "We are honored to have the monument located in Port St. Lucie. This is a community that values veterans and their service, which makes Port St. Lucie an ideal location for a memorial that will serve as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made on behalf of our grateful nation."
Port St. Lucie was selected as home for the monument in 2022 and by June 2023 the Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial Foundation had completed fundraising, allowing for work to begin. Comprised of three black granite panels, each measuring six feet tall by four feet wide and eight inches thick, the memorial was constructed by Vermont-based PG Memorials.
The monument will join others in Veterans Memorial Park that honor those who served in past American conflicts, including World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. The park also features memorials honoring Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families.
Memorial Dedication Date: Saturday, April 20
Time: Noon
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 2100 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie
The southbound right-hand lane on Veterans Memorial Parkway will be closed for the event. Attendees should park at Veterans Rivergate Park, and a free shuttle service will transport them to the event location. Handicap parking will be along the shoulder of the right-hand lane.