If you're a veteran, or if you're working to assist veterans in need, one local resource you want to be aware of is the Brevard Veterans Council (BVC) and the affiliated Veterans Memorial Center (VMC), located behind the mall on Merritt Island.

This unique gem of a location has a memorial plaza, a fascinating (free, donations accepted) museum with thousands of artifacts - including a real, functional periscope - and a wealth of information on veterans, especially those from Brevard County. Enjoy a virtual 3D tour of the museum by clicking here. The VMC also includes an expanding 82 acre Veterans Memorial Park (VMP), a beautiful Memorial Plaza, and a 4000 volume military-related library. 

The BVC/VMC provides scholarships to local students, is home to Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1 - just one of ten Veterans Organizations home-based at the VMC, and is preparing to build an amphitheater for hosting outdoor events. If you need space for an event, VMC facilities are available for rent.

But more than that, the BVC/VMC exists to honor and serve veterans. The BVC hosts an annual Stand Down to Stand Up event, in which homeless veterans receive needed services from the community. BVC/VMC members travel to various events throughout the year to honor veterans and raise money to help veterans in need.

In its monthly membership meetings (the second Wednesday of each month, at 9:30 am), the BVC/VMC gathers representatives from different community veterans organizations to facilitate connection and collaboration between veteran-oriented services. If you are, or know, a veteran in need, the representatives of the BVC/VMC can assist you in obtaining assistance and support. Appointments with the on-site Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 123 Vet and Family Support Services may be made by calling 321-452-1774.

Supported by Brevard County Parks and Rec as well as other state and local government organizations, the VMC and VMP are run entirely by veterans.  They have more than 60 volunteers so that they can remain open to veterans and the public for as many hours as possible. The VMC has three Missions:  support veterans; educate our youth; and reach out to the community - including residents and tourists - to remind them what veterans have done for our great country.

Veterans Memorial Center Website | Veterans Memorial Center Contact Form | 321-453-1776

400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952