If you're looking for a place in Vero Beach that humbles the soul and lifts the heart, Veteran's Memorial Island Sanctuary is it. This isn't just a park--it's sacred ground dressed in serenity and sunshine. As I walked under a bright sky and the slow rustle of trees, I was greeted by engraved stone pillars marked with words like Honor, Devotion, Sacrifice. You don't just read them--you feel them. Every step here carries meaning. The American flag stands tall at the end of a peaceful, tree-lined brick path, swaying like it's saluting every visitor who comes to remember. Sculptures and monuments dot the landscape, each one dedicated to those who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. The "Lest We Forget" stone from 1963 hit especially hard--simple, bold, and eternal. But what struck me the most was how beautiful it all is. The landscaping is pristine, the layout intentional, and the silence... powerful. You hear birds, maybe your own footsteps, and nothing else. It's as if the whole place whispers: "They mattered. Don't forget." This is more than a park. It's a living tribute--one that doesn't ask for applause, just presence. I came to reflect, to walk, to breathe--and left with gratitude in my chest. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this island sanctuary deserves your time, your silence, and your thanks. read more

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veterans park is a memorable visit. free of charge:-) always reminds me, one if the reasons why i'm so grateful & blessed to be in nation!! views of the beautiful waterways greet you on the roads to get here. from walking paths, picnic covered pavilions most with bbq to grill your anytime of year favorites. parking is free. -*** bring your fur baby on a leash of course:-) and please dont forget the infamous poopie bags. pick up & make a deposit in the multiple g cans throughout the park. so many areas to visit inside the park. heart warming memorials practically everywhere you walk. paying tribute and respect to all those who have selflessly sacrificed for the freedom we live. i thank everyday all the men and women tgat give me the peace of mind and spirit for no worries. when i lay my head to sleep the sound of an attack of our land. on a a happier note:-)) may you & your family & friends enjoy this thanksgiving holiday. christmas, chanukah or any holiday we are ***free to celebrate. read more

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A beautiful park honoring those who served. Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary in Vero Beach, Florida, is a remarkable tribute to the brave men and women who served in the Armed Forces of our country. The sanctuary's history dates back to the post-World War II era when the Intracoastal Waterway was being dredged. Alex MacWilliam Sr., a veteran and member of the Florida Legislature, persuaded the Federal Government to create a Memorial Island with the surplus dredging material. The island was purchased by the City of Vero Beach on May 5, 1947, and was dedicated in the early 1960s as Memorial Island Park. In 2004, its name was changed to Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary. Visitors to the sanctuary can expect to find a tranquil haven for reflection. It is located next to the Vero Beach Museum of Art and just south of the Barber Bridge next to Johnston Catts Park The sanctuary contains memorials to the men and women of Indian River County who died in combat while defending our country. It is said to be one of the most beautiful Veteran Sanctuaries in the country. There is plenty of parking in the park. Visitors are welcome to take a walk on the island or sit on a bench and reflect on the sacrifices of our Veterans of the Armed Forces. Please note that the 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. There are memorials for each of the Armed Forces on the path around the island. In conclusion, Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary offers a serene and respectful environment to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is a beautiful place of historical significance and quiet reflection that is well worth a visit. read more

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"Lest We Forget" on this Veterans Day. The city of Vero Beach has done a wonderful job of making sure we never forget the sacrifices our military has made to keep us safe and free. The barrier island adjacent to Riverside Park, south of the Merrill Barber Bridge has been set aside as a dedicated veterans memorial. Every town has a small part of a park set aside for a veterans memorial but Vero Beach has provided a place of contemplation and reflection truly worthy of the people who defend us. The story of this memorial could not be told without Mr. Alex MacWilliam, Sr., a twice wounded and highly decorated veteran of WWI who came to Florida after the war to recuperate in the warm climate. When he arrived Vero Beach was a jungle and he began a career as a builder and developer. All of his experience led to an involvement in local politics. During his time in Vero, MacWilliams was elected mayor for 20 years and served on the Florida Legislature for 12 years. It was always his wish to make sure his fallen comrades and the sacrifices they made were never forgotten. During his time as a legislator MacWilliams was able to get the Federal Government to realign the existing Vero Beach channel so that a modern drawbridge could be added. This project required dredging the channel and he wanted the seven acre island created with the dredging material to be set aside as a veterans memorial. The City of Vero Beach purchased the island on May 5, 1947 where it lay for several years but MacWilliams was not done yet. in 1963 he organized a committee of 88 citizens from all over the County to help raise funds to develop the newly named Indian River Memorial Island. A goal of fifteen thousand dollars was raised and the island was cleared and sixty Royal Palm trees were planted. One of the first monuments added to the island was donated by the entire community and it is inscribed "Lest We Forget." The island was dedicated on May 10, 1964. It took seventeen years but finally MacWilliams had achieved the memorial island he had envisioned. On August 19, 2003 a Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Advisory Committee was created to help the City Council and the Veterans Council with deciding which memorials will be constructed in the future. The name of the island was changed to Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary on July, 6, 2004. Through the years hurricanes have battered the small barrier island forcing benches, pathways, gates, and trees to be replaced through the years. Over 300 individuals and 13 organizations have donated time and money to restore the island. Local historian Ruth Stanbridge, a County Historian was able to get the island listed on the Florida Registry of Historic Places. To get to the island you park in Riverside and walk across a small bridge that offers a stunning view of the water. As you make your way to the island a giant American flag waves in the wind. On the island there are many memorials to the different branches of the armed services and the wars they fought in. Normal recreational activities are prohibited and people are asked to keep in mind that this is a place of quiet reflection. You would be hard pressed to not feel the solemnity of the memorial especially when viewing the cenotaph nameplates of the residents of Indian River County who made the ultimate sacrifice. This a moving and beautiful place to reflect on the men and women in our military past and present. On this Veterans Day I say thank you, but not just this day, every day. read more

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My friend and I spent a weekend in Vero Beach and I tried to take in as much of the beautiful beach community that I could within the few days we were there. My friend decided to stay at the hotel and enjoy the pool and I took a ride out to some local attractions and the veteran's memorial was one of them. I've been to some smaller veteran memorial parks in NYC before but this particular sanctuary was breathtaking. The weather was gorgeous the day I visited and I was coming from NYC where there was snow on the ground so I might have been caught up in a whole bunch of feelings, the sun will make you feel like that at times. LOL. The grounds were clean and you truly felt at peace in this sanctuary. They had some benches strategically facing the water and it was just so calming and relaxing. I met a couple from NYC-Long Island who made Vero Beach their home during the winter and then returned to NYC during the spring/summer. They told me they visit the veteran memorial weekly and I could tell why. My most memorable moment was walking in the path toward the American Flag and then viewing the names of all the veterans. It was very touching and made you stop and thank our current and former veterans for risking their lives for our country. This is a truly a place you need to visit if you're ever in the Vero Beach area, you won't be disappointed. read more

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On this celebrated Veterans Day, eternal gratitude and unwavering respect is what I feel walking up the tree lined, cobblestone path to this captivating haven. Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is a tranquil retreat for reflection on the sacrifices made by the valiant women and men in the Armed Forces of our great Country. It is also home to the memorials of the many heroic women and men of Indian River County who died in combat, while defending our glorious Nation. This serene island is for quiet contemplation, walking the lush, peaceful grounds or sitting on a park bench relishing in the harmonious sounds of Nature. Thank you, to all of the brave women and men in uniform, past and present, who serve, honor and protect our flag, country and freedom. We Salute you. God Bless America. read more

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary - God Bless America. - Parks Near Me - Vero Beach, Florida

A memorial by a lagoon The Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is a seven acre island/park that was dedicated in 1964 to honor and remember the local men and women that sacrificed to defend this country. It is adjacent to the huge and beautiful Riverside Park and has a cool little bridge that has to be crossed to get to the memorial. This is a quiet and peaceful place, no tennis courts or baseball fields, plenty of those over across the bridge. The Sanctuary is just that, a sanctuary to honor and reflect on the memory of those that have died in service to this country. The park does has some benches and beautiful views of the Indian Lagoon. We saw a whole bunch of dolphins playing in the water while we were there and the breezes coming off the water were refreshing. A very pleasant place to take an easy stroll along the water and cool shade trees. However the purpose of this park is to honor, reflect and most of all remember. Wonderful memorials with names of the honored dead that will be forever be written in stone. A lovely and peaceful place that hopefully will never have another name added. read more

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I really love this park. The park itself offers many memorials for veterans of all wars. My husband and I both have family members with Purple Hearts and there is a memorial there specifically for those service members. It allowed us to remember what they have done and even talk some about those family members specifically - how they served, how it effected them and how it effected our families. This is also a great place to go for a run or a walk. You can find benches and shade in many corners of the park. When looking outward, you cant beat the views from this park - its really breath-taking. You can see the Barbar bridge and you may even catch glimpses of some dolphins playing in the channel. There are also some painted rocks hidden around the park for little ones to discover. read more

Small, scenic island park w/ military memorials scattered about. Accessed by foot bridge (or by water from IR kayak enthusiasts) w/ a winding walking path looping the perimeter. Features some great landscaping and several areas to enjoy the scenic Indian River Lagoon (both bridges are in clear view). Dolphins & manatees are easily seen swimming by at times. It's just a few minute walk from Riverside Park, the art museum & boat launch which are all connected by sidewalk. The whole surrounding area makes for a great jogging route. This is also a great spot to check out a sunset. read more

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary - Parks Near Me - Vero Beach, Florida

Beautifully park with breath taking views. As you walk around seeing the memorials and hearing the ocean you feel gratitude for those who are remembered here and all the soldier who continue to fight for our country today. The Park has a small winding path to walk along the water. There are areas to sit and the path is wheel chair friendly. You will see lots of squirts and wading birds in the area. Overall it's a beautiful place to listen to the ocean, take great pictures, and count your blessings. read more

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Nice walk at the park in front and neat well kept site. There is a nearby restaurant that was also a good option on the river.