Myrtle Beach, once home to 600 German POWs, to celebrate its WWII role. Here’s how.

A planned World War II memorial at Myrtle Beach’s military appreciation complex won’t happen until the public has a chance to weigh in on its design.

“As council members, it’s our job to be leaders and make decisions for the betterment of our community. Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of time left for the folks this is for,” councilman John Krajc said during a Nov. 1 workshop. “I personally think that it would be extremely valuable not to design this on our own as a tribute to them as if they’re not here.”

Years before Myrtle Beach earned its reputation as one of America’s greatest tourist attractions, it played an outsized role in supporting war efforts for some of the country’s largest modern conflicts.

From 1940 through 1993, its military base at various points housed hundreds of German prisoners of war, supported the U.S. Air Force’s 354th Tactical Fighter Wing and served as a staging area for aerial operations during the Gulf War.

Earlier this year, officials put out bids for a project recognizing the city’s World War II service members, getting back a $615,000 concept from local firm DDC Engineers.

An artist’s rendering shows a row of 8-foot high panels with space for names and interpretive messages reflecting on Myrtle Beach’s unique role in the war effort.

There’s also a decorative plaza in concrete with a map of the world and lighted columns for each military branch along with flags bearing their insignia.

Chris Miller, who oversees city infrastructure projects, said officials hope to break ground in January and open the memorial by July 4, 2023 in Warbird Park’s under used eastern side.

Plans also call for the addition of 58 parking spaces large enough to accommodate school buses and up to 150 visitors at a time.

“It should draw you into the park. You should want to see what it is,” he said.

Mayor Brenda Bethune was taken aback by the memorial’s proposed size and scope, although said she supported the concept.

“I’m a little shocked at not only the size but the cost and quite honestly feel like at that price, it should have been discussed at budget retreat among council,” she said.

Miller said designs for the memorial can be scaled back based on council input and public desire.

Miller said the Myrtle Beach Airport Redevelopment Authority has pledged $115,000 toward completion of the memorial in Warbird Park.

World War II veterans are dying at a rate of 180 per day. Of the 16 million Americans who served, just 167,284 are still living - including 2,142 in South Carolina according to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

David Holmes, a geography professor at Horry-Georgetown Technical College and member of the U.S. Marine Merchant Veterans of WWII, said any marker should include contributions from the civilian fleet that provided logistical support for some of the war’s biggest campaigns - including the 1944 Normandy invasion.

“It would be great if such an important seacoast town like Myrtle Beach would honor them with the US Merchant Marine Flag at War Bird Park along with the other services,” Holmes said in an Oct. 31 email to the Sun News.

Councilman Phil Render said completing the monument should be a priority.

“Time is somewhat of the essence, but we want to do it right,” he said. “All veterans are special. These guys saved the world.”