On November 11, 2010, more than 5,000 people gathered in the heart of the City of Hartsville to witness the dedication of the Hartsville Veterans Memorial. The extensive dedication program was the culmination of a monumental undertaking by the city that took some 14 years from conception to completion.
The memorial is a five-sided monument clad in cast stone with bronze panels. Each bronze panel is a collage of events with detailed representation of military uniforms, weapons and symbolism from each of the five military conflicts of the twentieth century. It is more than 10 feet tall and 30 feet wide, weighing more than 25,000 pounds.
Years ago, American Legion Post 53 of Hartsville suggested the idea for an outdoor sculpture and memorial project honoring all veterans living, deceased and currently serving. Residents, local organizations, veterans groups, city management and staff supported the idea.
The city provided some of the funding for the monument, with the remainder coming from donations from residents and veterans’ groups. Community members with ties to Darlington County active and deceased military personnel purchased polished black, engraved memorial plaques to help offset construction costs. Plaques already cover three of the five monument walls.
The memorial not only honors those who have served in the military, but it provides a learning tool for area educators and students.
Additionally, it provides a much-needed public green space and finalizes the city’s inner city Burry Park started several years ago.
The Darlington County Tourism office has taken an active role in promoting the memorial as a must-see stop in the area. The city hopes the artistic nature of the monument will spur additional sculpture development around the city, which could increase tourism traffic.