Merritt Island

KWVA Chapter 210 Brevard County is responsible the 5-foot-tall monument built at the Veterans Memorial Garden on Merritt Island which was dedicated Sunday April 13, 2008.

Maurice Meisner, a Korean War veteran is chairman of the Veterans Memorial Center.  The idea was born about five years ago.  Dozens of veterans, their families and others gathered for the unveiling of what they said is the first of several monuments to pay tribute to the veterans of other wars at the planned Veterans Memorial Garden.

The garden is being built in the shadow of two Vietnam-era helicopters and a tank and will have a central monument with brick walkways, benches, landscaping and memorials to those who served in other wars.

Retired Maj. Gen. John Cleland told the crowd that the danger, hardship and experience of the war bonded the veterans together. "Let's always remember that the sacrifices was not in vain," he said.

Dr. Chyung Kim, a retired physician who was in the Korean Army and fought alongside Americans, said he would always remember the courage of the U.S. troops. "I should never forget what American G.I.s did for our country," said Kim, who lives on Merritt Island and is a member of the Korean War Veterans Association.

Joseph Guglich of Viera, a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, said there was a lot of support from veterans and the general public for building the memorial.  "It took us quite a while to get here," he said before the unveiling.

Veterans estimate the cost at more than $10,000.  The memorial garden could cost $75,000, plus another $50,000 for the main monument that will put in the center.

"It's a great tribute to those who served during the war, after and presently."

Photo's Courtesy Joseph Guglich, Chapter 210 Secretary.

Pinellas Park

There was no memorial to the Korean War for the Veterans in Pinellas County FL! Chapter 14 KWVA had already become involved with community service in the county. Not having a memorial became a subject of interest and action at a regular meeting on 8/20/2000. The situation had to be changed. The design became a contest for members.

A design had finally been approved by the membership with a model being made however when the approximate cost of $20,000/30,000 was brought up discouragement became the highlight. The organization was doing okay financially but the figure was excessive at the time.

Motivation is a powerful incentive! Committees were formed for location, funding, construction Etc. Various parks, city, county and state were checked. A group met with ex-mayor Cecil Bradbury of Pinellas Park. He agreed to bring the item up at the next city council meeting. The vote was positive and mayor Bill Mischler said for Chapter 14 to pick the location in the park. A group of Chapter 14 members picked a shady area near the large Flag. Freedom Lake Park is adjacent to nearby highways and is located along a small lake centrally located in the county.

A beehive of activity followed, there was still much to do. Solicitation for funds used various formats: The giving of American Flags for donations at several retail establishments as well as Tropicana Field (the Tampa Bay Devil Rays home) proved fruitful. Each week volunteers hawked their message and people listened. The Korean Presbyterian Church of Pinellas Park, Wal-Mart and the Korean Newspaper in nearby Tampa gave donations.

A decision was made to surround the memorial with bricks. This also turned into a fundraiser by selling the bricks to anyone interested. Names of Vets and their families are inscribed on the bricks. The bricks turned into a major source of income as the memorial was coming to life.

Groundbreaking took place on June 25th of 2002, 49 years after the war started. The dedication was on July 27th, 50 years after the war ended. Excess funds, an impressive amount, was left over after the project. They were turned over to the city of Pinellas Park enabling a perpetual scholarship fund for Pinellas Park High School. Conditions were that the senior students at the high school could compete in an essay contest. The subject was the Korean War. Students were required to visit the memorial and read the words inscribed. A committee was formed to visit the school and talk to the senior students about the Korean War and the essay contest. Results have been overwhelming.

It is impossible to list all of those who worked on the project and the hours worked as many have stood their last Reveille. Suffice to say that those who were a part feel a tingle down their back each time they are there, knowing full well that they were a vital part of history fifty years ago and again, fifty years later.

Photos and story provided by Harold Macking, Webmaster, FL Chapter #14 - Suncoast

Tallahassee, Florida

This picture of the Florida Korean War Memorial under construction was taken on September 12, 1999.

(Photo by Ted Sullivan Florida Chapter 153 KWVA)

Saturday, 11 December 1999, Cascades Park, Tallahassee, Florida. Governor Jeb Bush giving his Keynote speech. Seated to his left is Harley Coon, National KWVA President and Robin Higgins, LTC USMC (Ret), Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.

(Photo by Nancy Sullivan, Chapter 153 Auxiliary)

Color Guard from the services standing at attention after posting the Colors of the United States, Republic of Korea, and the State of Florida at the dedication of the Florida KWV Memorial

(Photo by Nancy Sullivan, Chapter 153 Auxiliary)

State of Florida KWVA Memorial, 2004

(Photo supplied by Jake Feaster, Department of Florida; Photographer unknown.)

West Palm Beach, Florida

Korean Monument Erected At Royal Palm Cemetery.  Lt Richard E. Cronan Chapter#17