A living tribute to freedom...and the sacrifices it requires.

Welcome to the Virginia War Memorial

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.

 

LEARN MORE

The Virginia War Memorial’s new exhibit, D+80: Virginians in the Normandy Invasion, opened on Thursday, June 6, 2024 – marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II. The exhibit features never-before-seen interviews with Virginians who were in Normandy on D-Day.

No single action, or single day, remains more recognized or iconic in American Military History than the 6th of June 1944.

Virginians played a pivotal role in the invasion, with the 29th Infantry “Blue and Gray” Division leading the first wave assault on to Omaha Beach. Virginian units suffered some of the heaviest losses on D-Day, such as the historic 116th Infantry Regiment, which sustained 341 casualties.


The Public Green Space Initiative


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.

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Clutch’s War Stories: The Artwork of Willie Grimes is on display in the Veterans Art Gallery through Memorial Day.


Clutch (Willie Grimes) a Richmond native, is a combat-wounded Army veteran and multimedia creator who has developed a career spanning two decades, as a photographer,
illustrator, and soon-to-be graphic novelist.

Since April 2008, Clutch has been healing from and dealing with multiple wounds suffered when a 500-pound bomb exploded in the street below the building rooftop where Clutch was positioned. The building was reduced to rubble,
and Clutch suffered a traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, and other internal injuries. His art, in all its shapes and forms, is his therapy.

The Virginia War Memorial Veterans Art Gallery is showcasing some of Clutch’s latest work — artwork he has created for a graphic novel on the Battle of Britain, the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. The campaign, from July until the end of October 1940, overlapped the Germans’ Blitz air raids over London.

 

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

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.

Upcoming Events

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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04Apr

OPENING NIGHT: War in Pieces Theatrical Production

the 4th annual festival of one act plays The Virginia War Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce the return of War in Pieces, a festival …

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18Feb

Virginia War Memorial Livestream: A Letter from First Lieutenant Walter (WD) Sutherland

Join us for a presentation from Henrico County history teacher, Jim Dorton, on his pilgrimage to discover the story of his Great Uncle, First Lieutenant …

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25Feb

Virginia War Memorial Livestream: Desertion in the Military: A Look Back

This livestream program, hosted by Virginia War Memorial Director, Clay Mountcastle, will look back on an issue that has existed as long as our military: …

Plan Your Visit

The Virginia War Memorial overlooks the beautiful James River, boasting one of the best views of the Richmond skyline. Yet the Memorial offers so much more to see and do…


Plan NOW