Sons of the Legion (SAL) at American Legion Post 129 are funding the first memorials in Jacksonville Beach honoring beaches veterans who perished in the Vietnam and Korean wars — along with a memorial for warriors who gave their lives in many of America’s undeclared wars.
“We’ve raised $11,000 for this effort so far and we’re working with the City of Jacksonville Beach in coordinating the installation of the new memorials for unveiling later this year,” said SAL Spokesman Brian Haught. “We are proud to be part of this effort to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by those men and women who fought and died to protect our freedom.”
An estimated 40,000 American military personnel died during the Korean Conflict and more than 57,000 Americans died in Vietnam.
Haught said the organization is especially pleased to honor those who died in several undeclared wars, including Granada, the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror.
Although there had been plans for Vietnam and Korean War memorials, the idea for honoring those lost in undeclared wars came with the passage of The LEGION Act in 2018 – which acknowledged the service and sacrifice of at least 1,600 veterans who died or were wounded in previously undeclared periods of war over the last century.
The memorials will be erected at Jacksonville Beach Memorial (Oceanfront Park), located at 429 First St. South later this year, pending the approval of the city’s parks and recreation department.
Those who would like to support the project are encouraged to attend the special event, “A Night at the Races,” a virtual horse race and fundraising event that opens at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at American Legion Post 129 — located at 1151 South Fourth St. in Jacksonville Beach — with proceeds benefiting the post’s Sons of Liberty.
Haught said that part of the project will also include placing the existing memorials for the various armed forces in the correct chronological order of their founding.
