Behind the mall in Merritt Island is a tribute to the Greatest Generation.
"It's just important to remember all of those who served and all of those who lost their lives for this amazingly wonderful country that has maybe gotten lost but can find itself again," said Jeanne Weaver, an artist and military mother.
The lasting memorial to veterans remembers and connects.
"I have five grandkids out there now fighting," said Shirley Harrington, a self-proclaimed snowbird.
The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and Council is home to military helicopters, tanks and — within the past week — an old friend.
"She's a favorite little toy of mine," said William "Bill" Kowalczyk, chairman of the Memorial Plaza.
The Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair aircraft from the Vietnam War joins other memorials.
"This thing will eat you up like a shark," Kowalczyk said. "That is one powerful jet engine in there."
The plane sits across from where Weaver lent her creative talents to the War in Afghanistan and Iraq War monuments. It's an enduring labor of love.
"It's something we can come look at and see on those days that are little bit difficult for us, on Memorial Day or his birthday or his death day," Weaver said.
Weaver's son Todd made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. He and others will be forever remembered in the plaza that pays tribute to each war, starting with the American Revolution and ending on the War on Terror. Parts of the World Trade Center are part of a 9/11 exhibit outside.
Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of artifacts, models, uniforms and memorabilia.
The best part about the plaza, though? It's open every day and it's free.
Tankful on Television
You can catch new Florida on a Tankful stories each Thursday and Saturday on News 13 and Bay News 9. New editions play at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. Classic Florida on a Tankful stories can be found each Friday and Sunday on Bay News 9 and News 13 at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m.
Tankful on Demand
Catch Florida on a Tankful with Scott Fais on your time, now on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL.
Scott Fais joins Travel Monthly
Catch Scott Fais as the Florida Correspondent on the On Demand travel magazine, Travel Monthly. Each month, Scott joins other travel reporters from across the United States as they showcase a wide variety of attractions, diners, parks and landmarks from across America. See Travel Monthly nationally on Time Warner Cable channel 411 and at home in Florida on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999 in the TRAVEL category.