Treasure Coast Sun

Port St. Lucie, Florida is preparing to honor the memory of those who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars with a new monument set to be dedicated on April 20 at Veterans Memorial Park in the city. The monument, made from India Black Granite, will pay tribute to the 355 Floridians who lost their lives in these conflicts.

City Councilman David Pickett, himself an Army veteran, expressed the significance of the memorial, stating, “This memorial will be a place of reflection, honor and appreciation, ensuring that those who served in these wars are never forgotten.” Pickett highlighted the community's deep respect for veterans and their service, making Port St. Lucie an ideal location for the monument.

The Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial Foundation selected Port St. Lucie as the home for the monument in 2022, with fundraising completed by June 2023. The monument, constructed by PG Memorials, consists of three black granite panels and will join other memorials in Veterans Memorial Park dedicated to past American conflicts.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, at noon, at Veterans Memorial Park in Port St. Lucie. Attendees are advised to park at Veterans Rivergate Park, with a shuttle service available to transport them to the event location. Handicap parking will be provided along the shoulder of the right-hand lane on Veterans Memorial Parkway.