VERO BEACH, Fla. — Florida has the third-largest veteran population in the nation, and to make sure those individuals are recognized and honored, the city of Vero Beach created an island just for them.
What You Need To Know
- Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary in Vero Beach is dedicated to all U.S. veterans
- A river-dredging project after World War II created the island, and its sole purpose is to be a special place for veterans
- The city of Vero Beach helps maintain the manicured property that anyone can visit
- The island hosts several celebrations yearly, including a special Memorial Day event this May
Anyone can walk the island, which includes memorials from multiple branches of the U.S. military that have been carefully planned over the years.
Col. Tony Young, who served for 30 years in the Gulf War, Bosnian conflict and the Iraq invasion, said the island is a very special place.
“This is hallowed ground for Vero Beach. This is our Arlington cemetery,” Young said. “So, we come here to honor people that have given their lives. And then also to inspire future leaders.”…