Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary

Location

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is located adjacent to Riverside Park on the Barrier Island, south of the Merrill Barber Bridge. 

History

After World War II, the Intracoastal Waterway was slated for dredging and Mr. Alex MacWilliam, Sr., a veteran and member of the Florida Legislature, persuaded the Federal Government to realign the existing Vero Beach channel to make way for a modern drawbridge and to create a Memorial Island with the surplus dredging material. 

This Island was purchased by the City of Vero Beach on May 5, 1947 and it was dedicated in the early 1960'ss as Memorial Island Park. On August 19, 2003 a Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Advisory Committee was formed to assist the City Council and the Veterans Council with reviewing documentation for proposed memorials to be constructed on the Island. On July 6, 2004 the name was changed to Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.

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The Memorial

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is now a quiet haven for reflection on the sacrifices made by the men and women in the Armed Forces of our Country. It contains memorials to the men and women of Indian River County who died in combat while defending our Country. It has been said that this is one of the most beautiful Veteran Sanctuaries in the Country. 

We welcome you to come and take a walk on the Island or sit on a bench and reflect on the sacrifices of our Veterans of the Armed Forces.

A Place of Quiet Contemplation

Please be mindful that this Island was created for quiet contemplation, and all uses must be in keeping with the purpose and intent of a Veterans Sanctuary and therefore general recreational activities are not permitted.

Need More Information

For information on the allowed uses on the Island, please contact the Vero Beach Recreation Department at 772-567-2144.

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Forms

  1. Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Cenotaph Application 8-2018 (PDF)
  2. Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Use Form, Rules and Information 2022 (PDF)

WWII Tribute Vision Presentation (PDF File)

VMI WWII Memorial Cover

Related Videos

Veteran's Council of Indian River County

Veteran's Day 2015

Memorial Day 2014

Veterans Island Our Sanctuary Video