VIRGINIA WAR MEMORIAL FOUNDATION INC

FACILITY AND GROUNDS: The Memorial is situated on five
rolling acres affording a beautiful view of the James River and the dramatic skyline of downtown Richmond. The names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War are etched on the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory-20th Century. The Memorial’s new Shrine of Memory-Global War on Terrorism and Beyond similarly honors those Virginians killed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and other locations throughout the world.

Inside the 46,000-sq.-ft. building are extensive galleries, an education center, meeting spaces, theaters, and a distance learning center and oral history studio. The Virginia Medal of Honor Gallery is the only place in the Commonwealth to tell the stories of all 50 Virginians who have received the country’s
highest and most prestigious military honor. An innovative Veterans’ Art Gallery provides changing exhibitions in a variety of mediums created by veterans of all different services and experiences. It is a complement to our “Mighty Pen Project,” which offers intensive writing classes to help and encourage veterans to commit to paper their memories and reflections, forming a living documentary of American military service. An archive of military-related correspondence, diaries, books and maps is available by appointment.

The beautifully appointed indoor and outdoor spaces are available for rent for private events.

AUDIENCE: We serve an ever-expanding audience both online and onsite in an effort to preserve and interpret America’s military past and the personal stories of our Commonwealth’s veterans. All are welcome. Tourists, researchers, students, and
teachers visit this facility and leave with a greater appreciation and understanding for the role of the military and an engaged citizenry in the never ending fight for democracy. Our most noticeable visitors are the veterans who are here every day — still serving. They lead tours, answer questions, provide colorful commentary, and add the authenticity that makes every visit a memorable one.

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS: The success of
the Memorial is built on a strong foundation of collaboration and partnerships, including the WWII Heritage Alliance, which also includes the National D-Day Memorial, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, the MacArthur Memorial, the Virginia Holocaust Museum, the Stonewall Brigade Museum, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, and the Military Aviation Museum. We are an active member of the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Services and the Virginia Association of Museums.

LEGAL STATUS: The Virginia War Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. It provides private support to the Memorial, a state agency established in 1956.
This remarkable public/private partnership has provided the financial framework which helps position the Virginia War Memorial as the nation’s leading state war memorial.

SIGNATURE PUBLIC PROGRAMS: Special commemorations on Memorial Day, 9/11 Patriot Day, Veterans Day, K-9 Veterans Day, and Pearl Harbor Day feature musical programs, keynote speakers, and recognition for veterans. Aptly named, Hill of Heroes is a display of 12,000 American flags planted on our grounds over Independence Day weekend and is a breath-taking tribute to our fallen veterans. Our observances of African American and Women’s History Months, and Native American Heritage Month provide unique and insightful programs. Hosting these free public events ensures that a grateful Commonwealth has frequent opportunities to show respect and admiration for our veterans.