‘I love this’: Myrtle Beach honors Greatest Generation with WWII memorial in Market Common

Adam Benson
·2 min read

After captivating an audience of more than 500 with memories of his service for the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Robert Hirsch took a pause about 30 minutes into his remarks and looked over his shoulder.

“I love this,” the 100-year-old former Myrtle Beach mayor said. “I hope that all the generations come and recognize all the sacrifices that were made by you guys, and all the contributions that were made at the time.”

Hirsch joined 10 other area World War II veterans Nov. 9 at Warbird Park in Market Common, where his adopted city formally dedicated a nearly $1 million memorial honoring the Greatest Generation for their valor through the 20th century’s defining episode.

The National WWII Museum estimates that of the 16.1 million Americans who served, just 119,550 are alive, or less than 1%.

“Aren’t we lucky to have this? To preserve our military history and share it with our children,” Mayor Brenda Bethune said. “But having memorials like this, crucial as they are to preserving our history, aren’t enough. We must also keep alive the stories of those who served.”

It took just two years from concept through completion to finish the $800,000 project, which included a $115,000 contribution from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority.

Nearly every aspect of the complex is steeped with symbolism:

  • Black granite panels are laser-etched with images from the Myrtle Beach Army Air Field, recalling the region’s contributions to the war effort

  • The plaza’s floor is represented by a map of the world with 17 inlaid bronze markers identifying significant battles and locations

  • A granite veneer and benches were carved with material from the same quarry used at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

  • Bench mottoes represent all branches of the armed forces in existence during the war, including the U.S. Merchant Marines

  • A “Kilroy Was Here” image is hidden among the images on the panels

  • Fronting the monument is the bronze sculpture of a P-45 spiraling into the air, created by renowned artist Tuck Langland.

A sculpture was revealed and installed today at the new World War II memorial at War Bird’s Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The bronze sculpture of a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter titled “Up, Up and Away” by Indiana artist Tuck Langland is the centerpiece of the new memorial that is set to be dedicated next Tuesday. November 2, 2023.
A sculpture was revealed and installed today at the new World War II memorial at War Bird’s Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The bronze sculpture of a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter titled “Up, Up and Away” by Indiana artist Tuck Langland is the centerpiece of the new memorial that is set to be dedicated next Tuesday. November 2, 2023.

Rabbi Doron Aizenman, whose parents escaped the clutches of Nazi enforcers, said the monument stands as a testament to America’s “conscience.”

“Thank you for saving my parents’ life,” he told the veterans on hand.

Hirsch, a decorated soldier who played key roles at the Battle of the Bulge and Normandy, nodded at Aizenman when he took to the podium.

“I can remember my kids, when I came home, they’d tell me about what they had done with their mother during the day or said, ‘I helped,’ and so that’s how I feel about all the guys here and myself,” Hirsch said. “We all helped. Everybody helped during World War II and the memories are here, right here.”