Myrtle Beach celebrates our military men and women and thanks them for their service! Myrtle Beach was a military town for nearly 50 years, and that tradition still runs strong. The public is invited to the following events.
Activities begin Saturday with the Military Appreciation Days Parade on Farrow Parkway through The Market Common. The parade is sponsored by the Military Appreciation Committee and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy the Parris Island Marine Corps Band during the parade, then join us afterward for the Family Picnic at Valor Memorial Garden. The Omar Chefs Shriners provide hamburgers and hotdogs during the free picnic, which includes veterans and military-service themed exhibitors. The parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. on Pampas Drive, with the picnic following at 11:30 a.m.
At 9:00 a.m., Monday, May 30, everyone is invited to join us for the Jack Platt Veterans’ March on Ocean Boulevard. Platt, a World War II veteran who passed away last year, was instrumental in creating the veterans’ march in downtown Myrtle Beach on Memorial Day. The Military Appreciation Committee named the veterans’ walk in his memory and is inviting everyone to come walk this year.
Previously, the walk was just for veterans or active duty military, but the committee welcomes anyone to walk in memory or honor of a veteran. The Jack Platt Veterans March begins at 16th Avenue North and travels south to the Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues North. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) presents the Battlefield Cross Ceremony there.
The Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony follows at 11:00 a.m. in Ballroom ABC at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This event is open to the public, with complimentary parking at the Convention Center. Our guest speaker is Dr. Gerald Harmon, president of the American Medical Association and retired major general who served in the U.S. Air Force and National Guard. See the attached program for Monday’s ceremony.
Finally, at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 30, everyone is invited to view the 2022 documentary film, “Soldier Stories: Valor in Vietnam,” during a free showing at the Grand 14 Cinemas at The Market Common. The 52-minute documentary by Dr. Rod Gragg uses historic combat film, period photography, modern footage, and personal commentary by local Vietnam veterans and others to chronicle the common experiences of Americans in uniform during the Vietnam War. The event includes patriotic music, a color guard and recognition of veterans.
· Military Appreciation Days Parade – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 28, Along Farrow Parkway, The Market Common
· Military Appreciation Days Picnic and Exhibits – 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 28, Valor Memorial Garden, 1120 Farrow Parkway
· Jack Platt Veterans’ March and Battlefield Cross Ceremony on Memorial Day – 9:00 a.m., Monday, May 30, Along Ocean Boulevard, 16th to Ninth Avenues North
· Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony – 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 30, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 North Oak Street
· 2022 Memorial Day Tribute Film – “Soldier Stories: Valor in Vietnam” Film, 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 30, Grand 14 Cinemas at The Market Common, 4002 DeVille Street (Free Admission)