Virginia War Memorial Seeks Photos and Information About Heroes Honored At Site
At the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, there are over 12,000 names of Virginia men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our Commonwealth and our Nation honored. Memorial staff is seeking help to learn more about each of them.
The Memorial is creating a new database that will include a photograph and personal information about each of the heroes whose name is etched on the glass and stone walls of its Shrine of Memory. The Memorial’s research staff is hopeful that relatives and friends of those honored can help provide the photos and information needed.
“We are especially seeking information regarding the hero’s unit and branch of service, date and place of death, and other biographical facts,” said The Memorial’s Kyndall Drumheller, who is leading the project. “Photos in uniform are especially appreciated.”
The Virginia War Memorial was dedicated sixty years ago on February 29, 1956 and at that time, included the names of all Virginians killed in action during World War II and the Korean War. Later, the names of those who died in the Vietnam War and Persian Gulf were added. Each name is listed under the city or county of his or her residence and represents every city and county in the Commonwealth.
“One of the most important missions of the Virginia War Memorial is to pass the stories of service and sacrifice of our heroes to future generations,” said Jon Hatfield, the Memorial’s executive director. “Having photos and information about each of these brave men and women will give everyone the opportunity to learn more about them and make a more personal connection with those that gave their lives for our freedoms.”
To find out if your hero is listed in the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory, please visit the Veterans Database at www.vawarmemorial.org. The names of all servicemen and women honored will have a gold star next to his or her name. For additional information, please contact Kyndall Drumheller at 804-786-2060 or by email at vetpix@vawarmemorial.org. Photos and information should also be sent to this email address.
About the Virginia War Memorial The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Instill Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who served in our military forces. Please visit www.vawarmemorial.org or Facebook/virginiawarmemorial for additional details.
About The Virginia War Memorial Foundation Founded in 2000, The Virginia War Memorial Foundation (VWMF) is the non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation dedicated to the financial support of all of the educational outreach, patriotic programs, historical exhibits and documentary films of the Virginia War Memorial. Donations to the Foundation from individuals, corporations, military and veterans groups and other organizations may be tax-deductible and are encouraged and appreciated. For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org or Facebook/virginiawarmemorialfoundation.
