The city of Barnwell’s Veterans Memorial Park is a relatively new park honoring those who fought and died in wars, particularly the war in Vietnam. The park is on the site of the Barnwell Army Airfield, which was built in 1943 as a satellite to the army base in Columbia (then called Camp Jackson). After the war, the airbase was turned over to Barnwell County for use as a general aviation airport.

Dedicated on Memorial Day in 2005, the Vietnam Veterans of America Salkahatchie Chapter 828 in Barnwell planted trees and paved the parks walkways with bricks inscribed with the names of veterans and are continuing to do so. Those wanting to memorialize veterans and continue building the park by purchasing a brick or tree are urged to call (803) 259-2224 or (803) 259-2021.

If you’re going:

The Veterans Memorial Park is located on Ellenton Street (U.S. 278) next to the Barnwell County Airport.