The Virginia War Memorial marked its 75th anniversary in 2025 with the release of a new book celebrating and documenting the history of this revered place.
Through the stories of those who served, the nation’s leading state War Memorial honors Virginia’s fallen and preserves the past. In the process of helping veterans find their voice and collecting and telling their stories, the Memorial also educates and inspires for the future.
Take a moving, reflective walk through the heart of the Memorial: the Shrine of Memory.
Engage directly with history through veteran-led tours, educational programs for all ages, as well as artifacts, photographs, films, oral histories, and the arts.
Since 1956, the Virginia War Memorial has stood as a special place of remembrance and reflection.
Over the decades, the mission and vision of the Memorial have grown and expanded to include education and honoring all veterans. The buildings, grounds, and interior spaces have also grown and evolved with purpose. The Memorial continues to be a thriving center of patriotism and service in the Commonwealth and the nation.
We invite you to hear from friends, families, volunteers, and staff about why this important place only grows more relevant year after year.
FEATURED EXHIBIT
This exhibit is presented on behalf of the surviving family members of the more than 1,300 Virginia veterans who are still missing in action (MIA) and on behalf of the more than 700,000 veterans who call Virginia home.
This exhibit features photos, letters, and other archival materials related to those Virginians still MIA. Additionally, the exhibit explores the scientific process behind searching for and recovering the remains of those individuals by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The sacrifices made by those who never came home will be forgotten without the efforts of organizations like the Virginia War Memorial and the DPAA, to keep their stories in the public consciousness.
April 3, 2027 | Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial Foundation and the Virginia War Memorial invite Virginia Vietnam War veterans, their immediate families, and those who directly supported the war to join us for the second reunion in our multi-year Salute to Service program.
Co-chaired by Commander Paul E. Galanti, USN (Ret.) and Jamie Galanti, the 2027 reunion will honor the service and sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans and their families through speakers, moderated discussions, musical performances, documentaries, and personal stories.
A wreath-laying ceremony and time on the Virginia War Memorial grounds will provide opportunities to remember and honor those who did not return. Veterans’ oral histories, photographs, and artifacts will also help preserve and share their experiences for future generations.
We look forward to honoring Virginia’s Vietnam veterans, their families, and all who supported their service.
The Virginia War Memorial is located on five rolling acres with a beautiful view of the James River and the skyline of downtown Richmond. It’s an ideal environment for groups to gather to commemorate and celebrate our State’s meaningful military service history. Also, and more often, the grounds provide a space for reflection.
The new Public Green Space Initiative will enhance the visitor experience. It will be environmentally sensitive and sustainable. Virginia’s veterans have served and sacrificed on behalf of people across the globe. This public green space will be a living testament to their valor.
We are recognized as the Nation’s leading state war memorial. We very much want to look the part. Our fallen veterans deserve no less.
Join the War Memorial’s supportive community of Americans, both civilian and military, who stand by those who served and help them find their voice. Your gift will grow the educational programming, patriotic events, award-winning documentaries, and state-of-the-art facilities for which the Virginia War Memorial is known.
Get involved in a wide variety of patriotic ceremonies, educational programs, arts events, and fundraisers. Check back for updates or CLICK HERE to receive regular emails about War Memorial happenings.
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