Walhalla in Oconee County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Oconee County Veterans Memorial

Oconee County Veterans Mamorial Marker image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

1. Oconee County Veterans Mamorial Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In appreciation of
the Oconee County Veterans Committee
for establishing this park in honor
Oconee County soldiers who served
so that we could be free.

Topics. This historical marker memorial is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Military • War, Spanish-American • War, US Civil • War, US Revolutionary • War, Vietnam • War, World I • War, World II.

Location. 34° 45.9′ N, 83° 4.055′ W. Marker is in Walhalla, South Carolina, in Oconee County. Marker is on West Main Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located on the Oconee County Courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Walhalla SC 29691, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Combat Infantrymen Monument (here, next to this marker); The Silver Rose (a few steps from this marker); Duty, Honor, Country (a few steps from this marker); Patriot's Hall: Oconee Veterans Museum (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colonel R.T. Jaynes

Revolutionary War: 1775-1781 image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

2. Revolutionary War: 1775-1781

The Revolutionary War was a key factor in permitting settlement of Upstate South Carolina. The Cherokee Indians were allied with the British and fought against the American Patriots; as a result, the Cherokee lost their land in South Carolina in 1777. After the Revolutionary War, grants of land in the Upstate were given to veterans and other settlers. The western corner of this land eventually became Oconee County.

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(about 300 feet away); Oconee Heritage Center (about 400 feet away); Gen. John A. Wagener (about 400 feet away); The English School (about 500 feet away); John A. Wagener Monument (about 500 feet away); St. John’s Lutheran Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Walhalla.

War Between the States: 1861-1864 image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

3. War Between the States: 1861-1864

In memory of the gallant citizens of Oconee County who served during the War Between the States defending the rights and honor of the South.

Their patriotism, their valor, their faithfulness, and their fame remain forever the heritage of their countrymen.

Spanish-American War: 1898 image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

4. Spanish-American War: 1898

Although it lasted only a few months, victory in the war with Spain made the United States a world power.

It also reunited the country, sons of former Confederates joined forces with sons of Federal men to fight against a mutual enemy.

World War I: 1917-1918 image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

5. World War I: 1917-1918

The Great War
The War to End All Wars

To the songs and cheers of Americans, soldiers marched "Over There" to the grim reality of twentieth century warfare, fought in trenches, on the sea and in the air. Poison gas, machine guns, tanks, aircraft and submarines were devastating innovations.

We helped make the world safe for democracy. However, it was only the beginning.

World War II: 1941-1945 image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

6. World War II: 1941-1945

So much more than a militay victory, America's triumph in World War II energized democracies around the world, primed the economy at home, and secured the continuation of the American way of life.

We must remember,
always,
the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the veterans of World War II.

Words cannot bestow honor enough.

Korean War: 1950-1953 image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

7. Korean War: 1950-1953

Yard by Bloody Yard
Ridge by Bloody Ridge
The Korean War

The willingness to sacrifice
is the prelude to freedom.

This memorial is dedicated with appreciation to those men and women of the Korean War whose loyalty and service during times of war and peace define the character of this great nation.

Vietnam War: 1961-1975 image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

8. Vietnam War: 1961-1975

The war in Vietnam was a new experience for America. National objectives were ill defined, employment of military strength was politically restrained, and public support was shallow.

However, the demands upon the men and women of this conflict were real and profound.

And they did their duty.

Persian Gulf War: 1990 image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

9. Persian Gulf War: 1990

Reflecting diverse origins, they were Americans, embodying the American spirit of courage and dedication. They went forth in a crusade to save democracy and freedom, to defeat tyrants, and to save oppressed peoples, in spite of personal consequences, or obstacles, or dangers and pressures.

That is the basis of all human morality.

Undeclared Wars image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

10. Undeclared Wars

"Duty, Honor, Country"
It is one thing to say it, another to live it.

They answered the call - they grew tired, they persevered. Some traveled far, some traveled near, some saw battle without showing fear. Their sacrifices and challenges grew greater by the day, but these loyal men and women would have it no other way. We honor and applaud them, accolades they deserve, and we stand here humbly reminded of the freedoms they preserve.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

11. Pow / Mia

Poor is the nation
that has no heroes.
Shameful is the one that,
having them,
forgets.

They were willing to travel far away and give their lives, if necessary, to secure the rights and freedoms of others.

Only a nation such as ours, based on a firm moral foundation, could make such a request of its citizens.

And the GI wanting nothing more than to get the job done and return home safely.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

12. Oconee County Veterans Mamorial Marker

Oconee County Veterans gratefully acknowledge the unwavering support of the Supervisor and County Countil for their vision in establishing this Veterans Park.

Supervisor Ann H. Hughes
Council Members
Frank Ables
Tim Hall III
Harry Hamilton
Kenny Jones
Marion Lyles
Steve Moore

March 2003

Oconee County Veterans Mamorial image. Click for full size.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

13. Oconee County Veterans Mamorial

The individual marks shown above are in order left to right.

By Brian Scott, November 28, 2008

14. Oconee County Veterans Mamorial

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,584 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. submitted on December 15, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.