Records of the Virginia War Memorial Commission, 1953-1983

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Virginia War Memorial Commission. Records, 1953-1983. Accession 33938, State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
5.5 cu. ft. (14 boxes)
Creator:
Virginia. War Memorial Commission.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Virginia War Memorial Commission. Records, 1953-1983. Accession 33938, State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

Records, 1953-1983, of the Virginia War Memorial Commission are housed in fourteen boxes and arranged alphabetically by folder title, with restricted materials to the rear. Included are architectural drawings and blueprints, correspondence, permits and applications, photographs, meeting minutes, and various artifacts.

Includes correspondence, 1954-1983, detailing the construction and building of the Virginia World War II Memorial, as well as the addition of the Vietnam Wing of the building. Also included are permits and applications to use the building from various organizations; photographs of the Vietnam Wing Dedication; correspondence, lists, photographs, and programs of the Tribute to Vietnam Veterans Parade held in Washington, D.C. on 13 November 1982; and minutes of the War Memorial Commission, 1961-1981. Some Vietnam era artifacts are also included such as a flag, money, and spent shell casing.

The architectural drawings, construction records, and blueprints are restricted and placed at the end of the collection in their own box.

Biographical / historical:

Created by an Act of the General Assembly (Chapter 244) in 1950, the Virginia World War II Memorial Commission was authorized to erect a World War II Memorial building to honor those Virginians who had served in World War II. The Commission, composed of fourteen members (five from the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House, four Senators appointed by the President of the Senate; four citizens-at-large appointed by the Governor; and the Adjutant General of Virginia), acts as the official custodian of the Memorial.

In 1979, the original Act was amended (Chapter 300) to honor not only the servicemen of World War II but also those of all modern wars. The name of the Commission was changed to the Virginia War Memorial Commission and its membership increased to include five citizens-at-large.

In 1984, the Act was repealed (Chapter 750). The Commission was put under the auspices of the Department of Conservation and Historic Resources. The composition of the Commission remained the same and its function as the custodian of the Memorial remained the same. In addition, the Commission was to participate with the Department, the U.S. military, and recognized veterans organizations in the planning, development, and execution of appropriate events that furthered the purposes of Chapter 750.

In 1985, the Legislature changed the name of the Commission to the Virginia War Memorial Board (Chapter 448). Its composition and function remained the same. When the Department of Conservation and Historic Resources reorganized in 1989, the Board was placed under the Department of Historic Resources (formerly the Division of Historic Landmarks within the Department).

The Virginia War Memorial building, located in Richmond, is an open marble and glass structure with the names of the war dead from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War etched into the walls. A marble statue sculpted by Leo Friedlander and entitled "Memory" stands at one end of the structure. At its base burns a "Torch of Liberty." Relics of various battle sites lie embedded in the floor of the Memorial. Designed by the architectural firm of T.J. Collins and Son of Staunton, Virginia, and built by the Thorington Construction Company, the Virginia War Memorial was dedicated on February 29, 1956. Subsequently, a Vietnam Wing, designed by the architectural firm of Ballou and Justice of Richmond, and constructed by Taylor and Parrish, Inc. of Richmond, was dedicated on November 20, 1981.

Civic, patriotic, and education groups may use the Memorial's small auditorium. Applications for use are reviewed by the Department of Historic Resources which then issues permits for use. The Capitol Police provide security for the Memorial and the Department of Buildings and Grounds provides grounds keeping and maintenance at the Memorial.

Acquisition information:
Transferred at an unknown date by the Dept. of Historic Resources, Richmond, Va.
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged alphabetically by folder title.