“Freedom is not free” was first spoken by retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Walter Hitchcock in expressing gratitude for the service of military members, stressing that the freedoms enjoyed by our citizens are only possible through the risks taken and sacrifices made by those in uniform who have defended and continue to defend our country. Nowhere on the Grand Strand is this gratitude demonstrated more than at the Hall of Heroes exhibit located on 75th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach.

Housed within the Sands Resort complex, the exhibit was a personal, not business, decision. It is dedicated to the father and uncle of owner Lee Rawcliffe, who enlisted the help of retired Army Colonel Bruce Shipley in its design. Shipley was involved in the “Traveling Wall Project,” and a smaller scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is the centerpiece of the exhibit. All 58,253 names of the soldiers who gave their lives during that war are inscribed upon it. True to the mission statement “Dedicated to paying tribute to all those who have protected our freedom,” the Hall of Heroes has an exhibit for every war/conflict in which the United States has been engaged. The names of every person who has died in hostile action from Vietnam until 9/11 are honored on gold dog tags which include the name, rank, branch of service, date of casualty and location, including those who have perished due to the global war on terror.  

In addition to honoring the fallen, there are endless facts about each chapter in our military history, some of which dispel long-held beliefs. One example is the myth that most Vietnam soldiers were drafted, when in reality two-thirds of the soldiers were volunteers. Flag displays, a 9/11 tribute, framed founding documents and volumes of history books and journals add to the educational experience. According to Shipley, the long reading desks and lamps were fashioned after the English war rooms used by the British and Allies during World War II.
 

Hall of Heroes
Inside the Sands Resort
201 75th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach
(843) 692-5265
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Admission is free