Conceptual Design for the Future Memorial
The Little River Chamber of Commerce, along with a dedicated group of local leaders, is proud to introduce the Veterans, First Responders & Patriots 911 Memorial (VFRP), and the Annual Little River Patriot’s Day Festival. A special event honoring our military heroes, first responders, and community service members.
What is the VFRP Memorial? The Veterans, First Responders & Patriots 911 Memorial is a Horry County-Little River initiative dedicated to honor our Veterans, First Responders & Patriots who have served and sacrificed for our country and community. This memorial should be an expression of appreciation for the sacrifices Veterans, First Responders & Patriots have made to protect our liberties and freedoms as well as providing for our past, present, and future patriots, and the brave individuals who have and will dedicate themselves to preserving our freedoms.
Where is the VFRP located? The Veterans, First Responders & Patriots 911 Memorial is in Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens, by the CB Berry Center, Little River SC, on land provided by the Horry County Parks and Recreation, Vereen Memorial Gardens Board.
How is the VFRP Memorial funded? The Memorial is totally subsidized through private funding as a voluntary way for individuals, civic organizations, and businesses to express their appreciation to Veterans, First Responders & Patriots.
Is the VFRP Memorial a non-profit organization? No – in January of 2025, The Little River Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center formed a Little River Patriots Day Festival Committee, thereby enabling the chamber to accept gifts and donations that are tax deductible.
How is the VFRP Memorial governed? The Memorial is governed by a seven-member committee consisting of a dedicated group of local leaders and veterans across Horry County. They all have extensive experience in planning and management in a variety of fields, and all are volunteers.
Are there any working committees for the VFRP Memorial? The Committee has authorized the Chamber to help with its work: 1) Financial Management, 2) Design and Construction, and 3) Marketing and Outreach, All Committee Members are Volunteers. There are no paid positions.
What is the planned construction of the VFRP Memorial? The Memorial will be developed in phases dependent upon funding.
Under Development: Phases, Costs, Recognition for Donors, How to donate, and Where can you get more information, website.
What is the Annual Little River Patriot’s Day Festival?
This Annual event will feature: The establishment of a permanent memorial at Vereen Memorial Gardens, commemorating those Patriots who have served and sacrificed for our country and community. Annual Scholarship opportunities for local high school juniors and seniors, promoting education in art, literature, and public speaking. A boat parade, live entertainment, food, refreshments and community engagement activities that celebrate our shared history and values. The construction and dedication of “The 911 Memorial Reef” providing an environmental and sporting benefit to our coastal waters.
Our Mission Statement: Our mission is to establish and sustain an annual event that honors the innocent victims of 9/11, past, present, and future patriots, and the brave individuals who have dedicated themselves to preserving our freedoms. Through meaningful community engagement, we provide an opportunity for local citizens, civic organizations, and businesses to come together in recognition and support of first responders, military service members, veterans, and all who have sacrificed for our great nation and the Little River, South Carolina, community. “Preserving America’s Traditions, Remembering Innocent Ones, Thanking Service”
Purpose: The 9/11 Memorial Tribute and Patriot’s Day Festival is dedicated to honoring the past, present and future bravery, selflessness, and sacrifices of everyday American citizens in response to national emergencies, disasters, and tragedies. It serves as a tribute to the citizens of New York City who became patriots by aiding in search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania crash sites after the 9/11 attacks. The first responders, police, EMS, firefighters, and healthcare workers who provided critical aid and committed themselves to rescue and recovery missions. The captains and crews of ferries, tugboats, merchant ships, sightseeing vessels, police launches, and fireboats who participated in Operation "Boatlift," the largest maritime evacuation in history, responding to the Coast Guard's call to transport victims and deliver supplies. This festival is a tribute to the unbreakable spirit of those who have defended and upheld America’s freedoms, both locally and nationally.