Virginia War Memorial
Coordinates: 37°32′13″N 77°26′55″W / 37.5369°N 77.4486°W
The Virginia War Memorial built in 1955, was originally designed as a World War II and Korean War Memorial for Virginians who had made the ultimate sacrifice in battle. In 1980, the Shrine was enlarged to honor those Virginians killed in action in the Vietnam War. In 1996, the names of Virginians killed in action during Desert Storm/Desert Shield were added. Today, there are nearly 12,000 Virginians whose names are engraved on the Shrine of Memory’s glass and stone walls. Because of the different character of war today, Virginia has created a special Memorial Shrine to honor the over 250 Virginians killed in the Global War on Terrorism.
The Virginians at War documentary video series, combined with other efforts, significantly increased the War Memorial’s public image in the local region and throughout the Commonwealth, and highlighted the message of the “Price of Freedom.” The Memorial added staff and volunteers to meet the increasing demand for its educational offerings and to assist with increased visitors to the Memorial.
With over 21,000 people from 45 states and 21 countries visiting the War Memorial in 2008, the facilities were stretched to the breaking point. Some groups would be turned away and individual visitors could not be provided educational support because the single auditorium could not support multiple groups for education and meetings. The Memorial is also used by active military personnel for events such as homecomings, re-enlistments, and promotions.
To alleviate the increasing demand on the facilities, an education center was planned to expand the educational opportunities and outreach for students and visitors, and to provide adequate visitor services. A bold design was created to add an 18,000 square foot education center that would provide the needed space to accommodate multiple groups for educational and patriotic programs as well as the casual tourist who is exploring one of Virginia’s treasures. In October 2007, the Memorial Trustees and Directors announced the Center would be named for two American heroes, Paul and Phyllis Galanti. Each has served the United States beyond the call of duty during and since the Vietnam War.
By educating this and future generations, the Commonwealth and its citizens have created a lasting tribute to the state’s sons and daughters who have served our great country. The Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center ensures that their sacrifice and service protecting ours and others freedoms will never be forgotten.
Mission
The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s monument to honor the memory of Virginia’s men and women who demonstrated a willingness to serve and fight to defend our way of life from World War II to the present; and through its Education Center, serves as the Center of Excellence for the Commonwealth in education of Virginian’s experience of war from the birth of our nation to the present. In its educational mission, the Virginia War Memorial will project a variety of internal and outreach programs, artifacts, research materials, Virginians at War documentaries, exhibitions, seminars, and ceremonies will be used to instill a living memorial to all citizens and citizen-warriors of the nation’s commitment to freedom.
Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth, and Instill Patriotism in All.