As the number of World War II veterans dwindles, the city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina recognized the urgent need to honor the extraordinary bravery and sacrifices of the heroes. To achieve this, the city worked closely with multi-disciplinary firm Bolton & Menk, local WWII veterans, and military organizations to design a powerful WWII Memorial at Warbird Park. This memorial pays tribute to the veterans who served and highlights the critical role that Myrtle Beach and the surrounding region played in training airmen for WWII missions. Situated in the historic Warbird Park, the memorial offers a deeply meaningful space where visitors can reflect on the contributions of the city, the region, and the veterans during this monumental conflict.

The History of Warbird Park
Warbird Park in Myrtle Beach stands as a monument to military aviation history and the lasting contributions of the veterans who served there. Located near the Myrtle Beach International Airport, which was home to the Myrtle Beach Army Airfield during World War II, the park provides a poignant reminder of the region's significant role in the war effort. The airfield served as a primary training base for bomber crews and airmen from 1941 to 1947. In the early 1990s, the city - in collaboration with local veterans and military groups - transformed the area into Warbird Park, a public space dedicated to reflecting on military history and the sacrifices made by service members.

Today, Warbird Park is not only a historical landmark but also an active venue for veterans' events, educational programs, and public gatherings, ensuring that the legacy of those who served continues to be honored and remembered.

 
A Tribute in Granite and Concrete
At the heart of the memorial stands a striking black granite backdrop wall that features etched images of the Myrtle Beach Army Airfield, key military battles, and iconic military equipment. At the center of the panel, a powerful quote from President Truman invites visitors to pause and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. The memorial's design also incorporates Kershaw granite, the same material used in the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. The columns between the black granite panels, as well as the stone benches flanking the plaza, are crafted from this durable and beautiful stone.

Symbolism in Design
Symbolism plays a key role in the memorial's design, which pays tribute to all military branches and the individuals who served in them. Six flags and six Kershaw granite benches represent the five branches of the military that were active during the second world war - Army, Marines, Navy, Army Air Corps, and Coast Guard - along with the Merchant Marine. The motto of each branch is sandblasted into the granite of the respective bench, offering a tactile and visual connection to the values upheld by the men and women who served. In addition to the benches, six custom, decorative light columns signify the colors of the military branches.

Decorative concrete pavement incorporates a sandblasted world map with embedded bronze medallions indicating the locations of major WWII conflicts, serving as an educational tool and a reminder of the war's global impact. The ocean area of the map is enhanced with seeded, recycled blue glass aggregate that was exposed through light sandblasting.

The memorial features a pergola at its entrance that was designed to evoke the historic guardhouse of the Myrtle Beach Army Air Base. Its design not only honors the architectural history of the airbase but also provides shelter for those who wish to reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.

Adding an extra layer of history and personal connection, a "Kilroy Was Here" symbol - a piece of WWII-era graffiti - was engraved into one of the memorial's granite columns.

Conclusion: A Lasting Tribute
Eleven surviving WWII veterans and 600 community members were present at the dedication of the memorial. To commemorate this event and honor these veterans, a special granite plaque featuring a photograph of the veterans, along with their names and signatures, was placed at the front entrance of the memorial plaza.

The WWII Memorial in Myrtle Beach's Warbird Park stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served in World War II. Through the careful selection of durable materials, thoughtful design elements, and community involvement, this memorial creates a meaningful space of remembrance and education. As the number of surviving WWII veterans continues to decline, the memorial ensures that their contributions will never be forgotten, standing as a lasting tribute to their courage and sacrifice for future generations.