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Monday 10am - 4pm Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center

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United States
Merritt Island, FL
Brevard Veterans Memorial Center

Since 1978 🇺🇸 Museum • Memorial Plaza • Library • Park • Veteran Resources • Educational Resources We have meeting rooms to rent including a waterfront hall.

The Veterans Memorial Center and Park is open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. Call 321-454-1774 for Veterans Service Officer assistance, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 12 pm. With an amazing array of military artifacts ranging from the Revolutionary War to our current conflicts in the Middle East, we strive to educate the public on our military’s efforts

both past and present in our FREE museum, library, and memorial plaza. The 82-acre park has walking trails, a playground and pavilions to rent. We have a variety of caps, coins, shirts, etc. in our Veterans Sales Store.

08/12/2026

📚 BVMC Book of the Month

Bucher: My Story by Lloyd Bucher and Mark Rascovich

Reviewed by H.V. Rhodes

The August Book of the Month tells the remarkable story of Commander Lloyd Bucher, captain of the USS Pueblo—the only U.S. Navy ship still held in captivity after its seizure by North Korea in 1968.

From a childhood marked by hardship to commanding a Navy intelligence ship, Bucher's life changed forever when the Pueblo was captured. After enduring 11 months of imprisonment and abuse, he and his crew were released, only for Bucher to face a Navy inquiry over his decisions during the incident.

In Bucher: My Story, he shares his firsthand account, arguing that the crew lacked the means to defend the ship, destroy classified materials, and receive the support they desperately requested. His story challenges readers to consider what they would have done under extraordinary circumstances.

📖 Find Bucher: My Story in the BVMC Library at Bio-Buch-01.

Stop by the museum, explore our library, and discover the stories of those who served. 🇺🇸

08/10/2026

☀️ Summer is winding down, and back-to-school season is here!

It's been a busy summer at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Museum, with families stopping by to explore our incredible collection of more than 5,000 military artifacts.

We're excited to share two beautiful new additions to the museum—vintage Bergamot Brass Works military belt buckles, highly collectible for their detailed 3D designs and craftsmanship.

🇺🇸 U.S. Army Buckle – Features the iconic M60 Patton tank with the inscription: "Army, its machines and men, steel and pride."

⚓ U.S. Coast Guard Buckle – Showcases helicopters, ships, anchors, and the Coast Guard emblem in stunning detail.

If you haven't visited recently, stop by and see these unique pieces along with the many other stories and artifacts that honor our nation's military history.

While you're here, be sure to browse our Gift Shop for hats and other items representing your military branch—or to find the perfect gift for a veteran or military family member.

❤️ We're also looking for volunteers! If you enjoy meeting people, sharing military history, and learning about our growing collection, we'd love to have you join our team. Volunteer shifts are 10 a.m.–1 p.m. or 1–4 p.m., and training is provided.

Come see why the BVMC Museum is such a special place—we hope to welcome you soon!

08/06/2026

Upcoming Veteran & Community Events

AUGUST

📅 August 9 | Military Order of the Purple Heart Recognition Ceremony
🕑 2–4 p.m.
📍 BVMC Museum
Join us as we honor 10 Purple Heart recipients and hear their inspiring stories of courage and sacrifice. The ceremony will also include Quilts of Valor presentations and recognitions from elected officials and community leaders. For more information, contact Donn Weaver.

SEPTEMBER

📅 September 6 | Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Dinner & Celebration
🕞 3:30–8 p.m. (Free dinner 4:30–5:30 p.m.)
📍 Azan Shrine Temple, 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne
Hosted by the Vietnam Exhibit Project led by Ben Bydalek, with co-sponsor VVA Chapter 1096. For information, contact Ben at [email protected].

📅 September 11 | 25th Annual 9/11 Commemoration
🕔 5–6:30 p.m.
📍 BVMC Park Amphitheater
Sponsored by Club 1013 and BVMC. Additional details will be announced in August.

📅 September 12 | Space Coast Honor Flight #4
✈️ Departure: 4 a.m. | 🇺🇸 Welcome Home: 8:30 p.m.
📍 Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Help send off and welcome home our veterans as they visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. Honor Flight is supported by numerous veteran organizations and community partners. Learn more or join the waiting list for veterans and guardians at schf.org.

OCTOBER

📅 October 3 | JROTC Raider Challenge Meet #1
🕡 6:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 BVMC Park & Amphitheater

📅 October 10 | Medal of Honor BBQ & Community Festival
🕙 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 BVMC
Enjoy a BBQ, craft fair, specialty car show, live music, food trucks, and more! Contact BVMC Vice President Don Pearsall for more information.

📅 October 17 | Space Coast Honor Flight #5
✈️ Departure: 4 a.m. | 🇺🇸 Welcome Home: 8:30 p.m.
📍 Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Come honor another group of deserving veterans as they travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Visit schf.org for details.

📅 October 31 | JROTC Raider Challenge Meet #2
🕡 6:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 BVMC Park & Amphitheater

Visit https://veteransmemorialcenter.org/upcoming-veterans-events/ for more!

08/05/2026

The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center proudly recognized our incredible volunteers during our July General Membership Meeting, celebrating an amazing 19,000 volunteer hours served between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

A special thank you to Kristi Blanchard for coordinating and emceeing the event, and to Jalaine Spears for continuing the Gift Shop tradition of supporting volunteer recognition.

🏅 1,000+ Hours: Dean Schaaf, Donn Weaver, Bill Po***ck, Don Pearsall

🏅 500–999 Hours: Dave Clayton, Kristi Blanchard, Richard Gore, Vic Rogers, Jalaine Spears, Garet McKimmie, Ed Pingston

🥈 250–499 Hours: Rita Perini, Mike Wrazen, Jim Carleton, Roger Estep, Karen Croft, Hank Rhodes, Jim Pirotti, Joe Slater, Bob Finke, Don Marn, Jim Greene

🥉 100–249 Hours: Ben Slaughter, Joseph Hershey, Dennis Herring, Mary Ann Tucker, Connie Calub, Amanda Saul, Bill Fleming, Kay Achee, Helen Magner, Mike Jacksland, Norm Desmarais, Ross Amelio, Shaun McKinney, Julie Adamson, Ray Norman, Bill Dansbury, Kevin Skope, Wayne Rowe, Gina Schlegel, Greg Hendricks (USCG Auxiliary), Paul Julian, Jay Longway

⭐ Less Than 100 Hours: Jill Rippon, Mick Ray, Joe Davie, Donna Longway, Wayne Fried, David Hooks (USCG Auxiliary), Doug Bisset, Harry Beaver, Faron Petteys (USCG Auxiliary), Eustace King (USCG Auxiliary), John St. Denis, Bill Wilkening, John Sabella (USCG Auxiliary), Rita Shapiro, Steven Laur (USCG Auxiliary), Anda Ray (USCG Auxiliary), Coleen Seitter (USCG Auxiliary), Eleanor Fadok

We also took a moment to remember our cherished volunteers David Boyd, Bob Caldo (USCG Auxiliary), and Bill Ellis, whose years of service and friendship remain an enduring part of BVMC's legacy.

To every volunteer—whether you served a few hours or more than a thousand—thank you. Your dedication keeps the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center a welcoming place for veterans, their families, and our community. 🇺🇸❤️

08/04/2026

Veterans Bulletin (August 2026) is now available:https://veteransmemorialcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Veterans-Bulletin-August-2026.pdf

We hope you enjoy the newsletter highlights of the many ongoing activities conducted by our members, partners and volunteers to support Brevard's military, its veterans and their families.

07/15/2026

A few photos from 4th of July

07/13/2026

Vice President's Update from Don Pearsall

There is always something happening at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, and none of it would be possible without our incredible volunteers!

Please join us in welcoming our newest BVMC volunteers:
👏 Joe Schnider
👏 Jill Sumfest
👏 Robyn Boudreaux
👏 Kathy Hannon
👏 Melissa Pulda
👏 Amanda Saul
👏 Ray Norman

Thank you for choosing to serve those who have served. Whether you're a veteran or a community volunteer, you're helping preserve history, honor service, and create meaningful experiences for our visitors.

Interested in getting involved? We're always looking for volunteers in a variety of roles, including:
• Museum Docents
• Library Volunteers
• Building & Grounds
• Special Events Team
• Store Support

Our Special Events Committee continues to grow and is always looking for helping hands with event setup, guest services, parking, golf cart transportation, and more.

We're also looking ahead to one of our biggest events of the year!

🍂 Mark your calendars for October 10 as planning is already underway for the Medal of Honor Fall Harvest Festival. This family-friendly fundraiser will feature Medal of Honor recipients, live music, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, a BBQ Battle of the Brisket, children's activities, and more. Best of all, proceeds directly support local veterans and their families through the Melvin Morris Veterans Assistance Program.

As we continue improving the Veterans Memorial Center and Park, we're grateful for everyone who donates their time, talents, and ideas. Together, we're building something special for our veterans and our community.

If you'd like to volunteer or help with upcoming events, we'd love to hear from you!

07/11/2026

📚 BVMC Book of the Month 📚

Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietam by Stephen W. Sears

If you're interested in Civil War history, this month's featured book is a must-read.

Landscape Turned Red explores the Battle of Antietam—the bloodiest single day in American history. On September 17, 1862, more than 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing as Union and Confederate forces clashed near Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Author Stephen W. Sears brings this pivotal battle to life with detailed maps, firsthand accounts, and an in-depth look at the decisions made by Generals Robert E. Lee and George B. McClellan. The book also examines the remarkable discovery of General Lee's lost Special Order No. 191, an intelligence breakthrough that helped shape the outcome of the campaign.

Antietam marked the first major Union victory in the Eastern Theater and gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, forever changing the course of American history.

📖 This title is available in the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Library under catalog number CivilE62P-03.

Stop by the museum, browse our growing library, and discover the stories that shaped our nation

07/10/2026

🚨 Exciting News from the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center!

To help make every BVMC event even more organized, welcoming, and successful, we've launched a dedicated Events Committee led by Vice President Don Pearsall.

The committee will coordinate every aspect of events we host or partner on—from food trucks, security, entertainment, seating, and media outreach to volunteers, logistics, transportation, and more. By assigning team leaders to key areas, we'll be better prepared before, during, and after each event while providing an even better experience for our veterans, guests, and community.

A huge thank you to our inaugural committee members:
• Karen Croft
• Billy Van Dorn
• Melissa Pulde
• Robyn Boueroux
• Amanda Saul
• Bill Po***ck
• Ben Slaughter
• Vic Rogers
• Garet McKinney

We're also looking for a volunteer to help lead fundraising efforts for the BVMC. If you'd like to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

One of our first fundraising goals is to replace our aging red golf cart with a safer 6- or 9-passenger electric cart to better transport veterans and guests during events.

Have ideas, want to volunteer, or interested in supporting this project? Leave a comment or reach out—we can accomplish great things together!

🇺🇸 Together, we're building an even stronger Veterans Memorial Center for our community.

07/09/2026

America's 250th Anniversary Celebration Continues!

While the Fourth of July has passed, our nation's 250th anniversary celebration is just getting started. Throughout the coming year, communities across America will continue honoring the people, events, and sacrifices that shaped our country.

Did you know?
⭐ The U.S. Army was established on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress.
⭐ The U.S. Navy followed on October 13, 1775, helping secure our nation's freedom at sea.
⭐ The U.S. Air Force became an independent military branch in 1947, after serving as part of the U.S. Army.

Communities across the country are commemorating this historic milestone in unique ways. In Philadelphia, a 900-pound steel time capsule has been sealed with items representing today's America—including an iPhone 17 Pro Max, a vial of sand, and an Olympic gold medal—to be opened in 2276.

If you joined us for the parade and celebration at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater with Sheriff Wayne Ivey, thank you for helping make the day such a memorable tribute to our nation's history.

The celebration isn't over! We invite you to visit the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Museum to explore the stories of the veterans whose courage and sacrifice have preserved the freedoms we enjoy today.

Thank you to all veterans and active-duty service members for your service to our nation. ❤️🤍💙

Address

400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy
Merritt Island, FL
32952

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+13214531776

Website

https://veteransmemorialcenter.org/

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