Greenville Mayor Knox White announced on March 21 a $500,000 donation by Sharon Carlton and Heather Carlton-McInnis for the Philip J. Carlton Memorial Plaza at Unity Park Honor Tower in Greenville.
The donation was made in honor of the late community businessman and philanthropist Philip J. Carlton.
Greenville has never had a proper place to honor its first responders and veterans, but a $500,00 donation from the Philip J. Carlton family is helping change that.
Learn more: https://t.co/vXtoVsFpzD@GvlPD pic.twitter.com/UBJHtr8PN7— City of Greenville (@CityGreenville) March 21, 2023
The Philip J. Carlton Memorial Plaza will serve as a memorial for first responders and military veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Visitors can hold ceremonies, memorials and tributes at the plaza located at the base of Honor Tower, a 125 feet structure honoring first responders, the military, utility crews, EMS and public health workers, in Unity Park .
“Phil was a larger-than-life figure in our family and in our community with a passion for supporting law enforcement,” said David McInnis, Heather’s husband who spoke on behalf of the Carlton family during an event on March 21. “The Carlton Family is honored that a lasting part of our community will keep that legacy and memory alive.”
Having previously served in the military during World War II, Carlton moved to Greenville and opened Carlton Motorcars in 1996.
Carlton established the 100 Club of Greater Greenville after the 1996 death of Greenville Police Officer Russ Sorrow while attempting to arrest a suspect. The club supports police, firefighters and their families in Greenville, Greer, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn and Travelers Rest.
Construction of the Thomas and Vivian A. Wong Honor Tower is scheduled to begin in 2023.
