U.S. Army Vet Harold Granitur, 99, of Indian River County, during the World War II Tribute groundbreaking held March 23, 2024 at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

VERO BEACH — Construction for the World War II Tribute honoring 42 fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines is underway at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary. Four veterans were front and center to witness the groundbreaking ceremony last month, with many dignitaries attending, along with a rendition of the National Anthem by Grammy-Award winning vocalist Lisa Eden.

“This is a place where past heroes will be honored and future leaders will be inspired,” said Retired Army Col. Tony Young, the lead for the WWII Tribute team. “We are jubilant to share these days with the veterans who spent their youth in the far-flung islands of the Pacific and endured the God-awful diseases and carnage. Some were MIAs, some were POWs in Germany and Japan, others were mariners who braved the oceans and provided the troops and supplies.”

From left to right: U.S. Navy Veteran Al Norton, U.S. Army Veteran Harold Granitur, U.S. Navy Veteran Robert Frost and U.S. Army Veteran Bill Keegan during the WWII Tribute groundbreaking ceremony held March 23, 2024 in Vero Beach. PHOTO BY NICK SAMUEL

Organizers said the stand-alone WWII tribute will be the crown jewel of Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary. The groundbreaking ceremony for the memorial was held at 11 a.m. March 23 at the island, located adjacent to Riverside Park.

Young said the tribute will express the very essence of America and define selfless patriots. The tribute will not only honor the fallen veterans from Indian River County, but all WWII veterans and their families.

Young, also a former Vero Beach mayor, recognized the four veterans who were in attendance, calling them “humble warriors that inspire us.”

Those men were U.S. Navy Veteran Al Norton, 96, U.S. Army Veteran Harold Granitur, 99, U.S. Army Veteran Bill Keegan, soon to be 100, and U.S. Navy Veteran Robert Frost, 97, all of Indian River County. Norton said he thinks the memorial will be a wonderful tribute to the people.

“A lot of people worked really hard on this,” Norton said. “This is finally coming to fruition.”

Young said the groundbreaking is a dream come true, moving organizers closer to creating the memorial to solely honor “The Greatest Generation.”

Four county commissioners, along with all Vero Beach City Council members, were in attendance. Commissioner Susan Adams said the veterans set the example of what it means to be an American.

“They set the example for what it means to fight for the things you believe in and to bring that message back to the community,” Adams said. “Without their sacrifices, we wouldn’t be here. We owe (them) such a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to repay.”

Commissioner Laura Moss said the groundbreaking was an extraordinary moment for Vero Beach. Moss said her uncle T. Gerard Brown was stationed in England during World War II.

Young said the foundation will be completed by Memorial Day and the tribute will be finished by Veterans Day.

“This is the kickoff for the game,” Young said. “(Later this year) we’ll be going across the finish line.”

WWII Tribute

Families of WWII veterans can add to the tribute by leaving items from their relative’s service to be placed in a memorial time capsule, organizers said. The pieces will be placed in a sealed brass shell casing and imbedded within the concrete foundation of the WWII Tribute.

“The time capsule will be buried in front of the foundation,” said Terry Treat, president of Military Officers Association of America.

The tribute will have a permanent stage located in the area of the circular paved walkways beyond the cenotaphs. Previously, organizers had to bring in makeshift stages for Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.

The stage will have four 7-foot-tall columns behind it and four smaller columns in the front.

Rendering of the WWII Tribute PROVIDED BY WWII TRIBUTE TEAM

Young said the taller columns will each have a World War II medal displayed that acknowledges veterans’ service. The medals will be the Defense of America Medal, the American Theatre Medal, the Pacific Theatre Medal and the European Campaign Medal.

The smaller columns will incorporate war symbols into its design. The first logo will represent the Vero Beach Naval Air Station, which is now the location at Vero Beach Regional Airport.

The second and third symbol will show the front and back of the World War II Victory Medal, Young said. The fourth logo will feature the honorable service pin.

Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno said the tribute will become the place where stories of heroism and bravery will echo into the future and inspire everyone to uphold values that veterans fought to defend.

“This World War II memorial will stand as a living testament to the endearing spirit and sacrifices made by our soldiers,” Cotugno said. “The city of Vero Beach, with pride and dedication, will take on the responsibility and privilege for ongoing stewardship of this memorial. May Memorial Island continue to serve as a place of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for generations to come.”

Organizers are near the fundraising goal, but still need help.

Donations can be made to the Cultural Council of Indian River County – World War II Tribute. The donations can also be made by check to the organization located at 2400 15th Ave. Suite 2, Vero Beach, FL., 32960.

Photos by Joshua Kodis