About The Virginia War Memorial Shrine Of Memory
Engraved on its stone and glass walls, the Shrine of Memory originally had the names of Virginians who died as a result of hostile action in World War II and Korea. An addition was dedicated in 1981 to honor those killed in the Vietnam War, and in 1996 the names of those killed in the Persian Gulf were added. There are a total of 11,634 names: WWII 9,398; Korea 850; Vietnam 1,379; and the Persian Gulf 7. These names are arranged first by counties and cities and then alphabetically.  Memory
At the southern end of the Shrine is the statue Memory. Designed by Leo Friedlander and sculpted by Joseph Campo and William Kapp, this majestic monument, which is carved from 100,000 pounds of white marble and stands 23 feet tall, reflects both the great sorrow and pride felt by Virginians for their fallen brothers and sisters. 
 Torch Of Liberty
At the base of Memory is the Torch of Liberty, an eternal flame representing patriotism that is ever-lasting. Congressional Medal of Honor recipients from Virginia, headed by General Alexander Vandergrift, U.S. Army, and the widows and mothers of deceased Congressional Medal of Honor recipients from Virginia lit this torch in February 1956.  Flag Court
Just outside the south end of the Shrine of Memory fly seven flags: Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Merchant Marines, and the Virginia War Memorial. In the center of this semicircle of flags flies the POW/MIA flag in memory of those Prisoners of War and Missing In Action not yet recovered. To the north fly the national and state flags.  Rose Garden
Two rose beds are on the Memorial grounds. Next to the Visitors Center is a large bed of brilliant crimson rose bushes named Veterans Honor Rose which bloom all summer. Each day a bud is placed at the base of the statue, Memory. Along the front retaining wall there is a bed of lilac long stem roses named the World War II Memorial Rose.  A Personal Connection
Touch-screen computers inside the Visitors Center offer access to the names, records, deeds, and pictures of thousands of Virginians who served their country in times of war. This is our Salute to Virginia Veterans archives. With a touch of your finger, you can trace the actions of Virginians who have given their lives, as well as many others who served in the armed forces since the beginning of World War II. Virginia veterans who have not yet entered their own information in the archives are encouraged to do so free of charge. This information can be entered on our web site by going to our Virginia Veteran Database Memories Of WarThe Memorial has a series of displays on World War II Europe, World War II Pacific, The Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Prisoners Of War. These displays contain artifacts and memorabilia given to the Memorial and tell a compelling story of the impact of these conflicts on Virginia veterans, their families, and citizens alike. | 
A History Of HonorAs the victory parades faded and our veterans came back home from World War II, talk of a fitting memorial to our Virginia heroes and their sacrifice, bravery, and service swept the Commonwealth. The General Assembly of Virginia first authorized the Memorial in 1950. Governor John S. Battle made the initial appropriation and Leslie Cheek was appointed Professional Advisor and supervised an architectural competition to choose the design. The result was the selection of architect S. J. Collins of Staunton, Virginia. Before the Memorial planning was complete, the United States found itself again plunged into war. After the Korean Cease-fire in 1953, plans were changed to include the Korean War with World War II. Construction was completed in 1955, and the Memorial was dedicated February 29, 1956. Representatives from numerous foreign nations, officials of our federal, state, and local governments, as well as veterans and citizens of Virginia and beyond, attended the dedication service. The Memorial was highly praised for its design and location on a towering point affording a commanding view of the James River and the skyline of the city of Richmond. The Memorial consists of The Hall of Honor Auditorium, Visitors Center, and the Shrine of Memory. The renovated auditorium includes state-of-the-art sound and projection systems for showing the Memorial's educational programs, Virginians At War, and houses a collection of patriotic and historic flags. The Visitors Center contains a series of display cases for Memories of War, a collection of mementos of war, kiosks for Salute to Virginia Veterans, and our gift shop. 
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