Hall of Heroes Dedication

SANDS RESORTS DEDICATES “HALL OF HEROES”

May 12, 2009, Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Sands Resorts, a collection of seven oceanfront resorts in Myrtle Beach, dedicated and opened its new “Hall of Heroes” on March 27, 2009.  This is a permanent tribute to the men and women of the armed services, law enforcement and and firefighter organizations who have protected and defended America’s freedom.

The centerpiece of the “Hall of Heroes” is a scaled replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, complete with all 58,253 names.  Other displays include information about each war and conflict the United States has been involved in and a Gold Dog Tag Display honoring those who have died in hostile action from the end of the Vietnam War until 9-11, as well as those who have died in the global war on terror.  In addition, there’s an exhibit honoring all 2,984 Americans who perished in the attack on 9-11 and a special dog tag display that will feature dog tags individuals have made in tribute to a loved one.

Among attendees at the dedication ceremony were public and private officials from city, county and state levels, active and veteran military, and surviving spouses.  Keynote speaker was Calvin Gilmore, owner, producer and director of The Carolina Opry, followed by comments from Bobby Richardson, former second baseman of New York Yankees fame.  In Mr. Gilmore’s keynote address, he said, “Please use and urge others to use this Hall of Heroes to emphasize to your children--the next generation and generations to come-- the sacrifice that has been made for them to have this wonderful lifestyle and freedom.  Freedom isn’t free. It cost a river of blood – the blood of those whose names are in this Hall.”

Sands Resorts owner, Lee Rawcliffe, said, “We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to those who have secured our freedom and those who protect and defend our way of life. We believe in our country and that we truly honor, respect and remember all those who came before us.  The Hall of Heroes educational value is enormous, not only for children, but also for all Americans.”

Primary developers of the Hall of Heroes were Don Allen, founder and chief executive officer of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT), and Bruce Shipley, a Sands Resorts employee and AVTT Board of Directors member.  Both men are military veterans.  AVTT visits American cities throughout the year, bringing a traveling version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and other patriotic displays to hometown America during a three-day gala celebration.

Allen says, “The true cost of freedom is paid daily by all of us, but certainly by the families of our military, veterans, firefighters and law enforcement personnel.  We can never forget or diminish those family sacrifices,” he said.

The Hall of Heroes is open to the public, free of charge, throughout the year.  For additional information, please contact Sands Resorts at 843-692-5265.