An 87-year-old WWII veteran main reason Myrtle Beach will have Memorial Day March
By AJ Janavel, News13 Digital Journali
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) - An 87-year-old World War II Veteran is a big part of the reason that the City of Myrtle Beach is having an organized march during Memorial Day.
In February, News 13 told the story of 87-year-old World War II Veteran Jack Platt who planned to march on Memorial Day Weekend even though the city of Myrtle Beach rescheduled its parade.
However, a month later, the city announced it would help sponsor a Memorial Day “march” after they received requests from veterans.
Many of whom also reached out to Platt.
"From various veterans I got calls. From over a dozen, two dozen veterans I started writing down their names I couldn't remember them all,” he said.
One group Platt says he definitely remembers is the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
"There was a veteran who said he was going to march down Ocean Boulevard by himself if need be and we said we're not going to let him march by himself,' said Jewels Strickland, Chapter Secretary of the CVMA.
The group said after they saw News 13's story on Platt they contacted him.
Myrtle Beach Spokesperson Mark Kruea says the CVMA was the group the city worked the closest with to organize the march.
"I feel good because I think the city of Myrtle Beach has realized that it is correct to do this and think that it has brought a lot of us together,” said Platt.
The city originally said any event that would affect traffic flow during the busy Memorial Day Weekend was not likely.
Now, it will provide bussing for the veterans and police for the march.
Three months ago Platt was prepared to walk by himself now he will be the grand marshal.
"I'm going to try like the devil to walk the nine or ten blocks. I've been riding my bicycle strengthening my legs because I'm determined. I will carry the American Flag for my family and for every other veteran that is living, and that has passed away,” said Platt.
The city rescheduled the Memorial Day Parade after requests from the local Vietnam Veteran's chapter to honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
The city also previously said it feels it does not have the proper resources to handle both the Memorial Day Weekend festivities and Bikefest.
The march will start at 9:00 a.m., Monday, May 25, at 16th Avenue North and proceed to the former Pavilion site, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues North.
Veterans are invited to join the march, which will conclude by 10:00 a.m. with a brief ceremony, after which everyone is invited to attend the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Day remembrance on the plaza at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
In February, News 13 told the story of 87-year-old World War II Veteran Jack Platt who planned to march on Memorial Day Weekend even though the city of Myrtle Beach rescheduled its parade.
However, a month later, the city announced it would help sponsor a Memorial Day “march” after they received requests from veterans.
Many of whom also reached out to Platt.
"From various veterans I got calls. From over a dozen, two dozen veterans I started writing down their names I couldn't remember them all,” he said.
One group Platt says he definitely remembers is the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
"There was a veteran who said he was going to march down Ocean Boulevard by himself if need be and we said we're not going to let him march by himself,' said Jewels Strickland, Chapter Secretary of the CVMA.
The group said after they saw News 13's story on Platt they contacted him.
Myrtle Beach Spokesperson Mark Kruea says the CVMA was the group the city worked the closest with to organize the march.
"I feel good because I think the city of Myrtle Beach has realized that it is correct to do this and think that it has brought a lot of us together,” said Platt.
The city originally said any event that would affect traffic flow during the busy Memorial Day Weekend was not likely.
Now, it will provide bussing for the veterans and police for the march.
Three months ago Platt was prepared to walk by himself now he will be the grand marshal.
"I'm going to try like the devil to walk the nine or ten blocks. I've been riding my bicycle strengthening my legs because I'm determined. I will carry the American Flag for my family and for every other veteran that is living, and that has passed away,” said Platt.
The city rescheduled the Memorial Day Parade after requests from the local Vietnam Veteran's chapter to honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
The city also previously said it feels it does not have the proper resources to handle both the Memorial Day Weekend festivities and Bikefest.
The march will start at 9:00 a.m., Monday, May 25, at 16th Avenue North and proceed to the former Pavilion site, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues North.
Veterans are invited to join the march, which will conclude by 10:00 a.m. with a brief ceremony, after which everyone is invited to attend the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Day remembrance on the plaza at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
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