MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- Veterans in the Grand Strand marched through downtown Myrtle Beach to honor the sacrifice of our uniformed men and women who died in service to our nation.
World War II veteran Jack Platt’s devotion inspired the event. He wrote a letter determined to honor fallen heroes on Memorial Day.
“I intend to walk down ocean boulevard carrying the American flag. I hope you’ll let me do that if not I’m going to do it anyway,” said Platt.
That’s when the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association stepped in.
“There’s going to be a bunch of motorcycles behind you and I don’t think they’re going to bother us,” said Platt.
For four years, veterans march in downtown Myrtle Beach to remember their fallen comrades.
“I really think of my brother because he was at Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. He had just turned 18, he went in on his 17th birthday. He was 18 and two days old,” said Platt.
His brother survived pearl harbor and went on to fight in the Korean war
“He was shot down in the Battle of Midway and survived that and went on to the Air Medal and made 13 missions over Korea,” said Platt.
For some veterans, Memorial Day can be tough, and so can hearing one phrase.
“It’s hard to have someone thank you for service when you know personally and first-hand there’s a life that will never get thanked. When that happens, it’s not for you, it’s for the one that came before you, that motivated you, that gave you a chance to come and live life on their behalf because they gave theirs for you,” said Julius Strickland, guest speaker.
To learn more about what the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association does in Horry County, click here.
