New soldier memorial now open in Myrtle Beach

A new memorial to remember fallen American soldiers is now open in Myrtle Beach.
 
The Hall of Heroes exhibit pays tribute to men and women who have protected our freedom throughout our nation’s history.

One former Navy officer says it’s one of the most powerful memorials he’s ever seen.

The new exhibit, located at the Ocean Dunes resort, is similar to several other memorials across the country. But, former Navy officer James Jestes says this exhibit is more meaningful to him than others he’s seen.

“We lost a friend in Iraq, and to find his name here on a dog tag was really surprising and it just really took us aback,” Jestes said.

Jestes spent four years in the Navy. He’s spending time in Myrtle Beach on vacation and came to the exhibit.

The exhibit was built to remember American soldiers who have fallen in wars. Jestes says his friend Adam Marion died in a roadside bombing in Iraq.

“It’s really a strong emotion to see that someone you know is here in some way being honored,“ Jestes said.

Bill Devaughn, Vice President of South Carolina Rolling Thunder, a military veterans group, helped organize the exhibit.

Devaughn says the exhibit also features a tribute to prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.
“Even today, we still have one POW listed from Desert Storm, we have one from Iraqi Freedom and just recently I got a report there’s another marine who might have been captured,” Devaughn said.

Jestes says he appreciates the effort to shed light on sacrifices made by soldiers, veterans, and POW’