by Allen Worrell, News Writer Carroll News (Va)
Galax City Crews begin to break ground March 2 on the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial at the Galax Public Library.
On the 46th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War, local and state officials gathered in Galax on March 2 to celebrate the construction groundbreaking of the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial.
A groundbreaking ceremony had been held at the Galax Public Library, the planned site of the memorial, two years ago. Now that enough funds have been raised to allow construction to begin, Galax City crews brought in bulldozers and began actually breaking ground on the project March 2.
“This has been something we’ve talked about for a few years. But today’s groundbreaking is not just symbolic, it’s a true groundbreaking,” Galax City Manager Keith Barker said. “By actually beginning the true construction, the project is moving now, and people who were hesitant about making a donation, not sure when things would happen, we want them to feel confident things are happening.”
Vietnam Veteran Frank Plichta said the memorial will recognize the historical accomplishments of all the men and women of America’s armed forces. The memorial brings together and honors those who are now serving, Plichta said, and will be a lasting memorial to those who’ve served in past wars and in times of peace.
“Every man and woman who wears the military uniform of our country continues an unbroken line of courage and service,” he said.
Galax Mayor C.M. Mitchell called March 2 a great afternoon to be in the presence of real American heroes. He said it is incredibly important for a community to remember the people who have fought and died to guarantee the nation’s freedoms.
“And it is important to help us remember those folks who have gone before us,” Mitchell said. “It is also important to help us to recognize the troops and all the people across the world who serve every day to make sure America stays strong.”
Drew Lumpkin, a representative for U.S. Senator Mark Warner, spoke on behalf of the former Virginia Governor. Reading from a letter written by the senator, Lumpkin said Warner has always believed a military career to be one of the most honorable professions. We are all indebted to our veterans for their service, Warner wrote, stating he is humbled by their commitment to serve the country in every way.
“During this important event and indeed every day, Americans should reflect on the enormous sacrifices of the men and women who have borne the burden of battle for our great nation,” Warner wrote. “To those who have served, to those who continue to serve, those who are disabled in the line of duty and those who have paid the ultimate price in service to their country, a grateful Commonwealth and nation owe an enormous debt of gratitude. Your patriotism during these challenging times exemplifies what is best about America.”
Vietnam veteran Sharon Plichta offered the most touching remarks at the construction groundbreaking as she shared vivid details of her time as a staff nurse during the Vietnam War. She called March 2 a glorious day as the city begins its fulfillment of a dream to see a memorial built in tribute to the many veterans of the area.
She explained how she and her husband Frank were newlyweds stationed in Germany when Frank received his orders from Vietnam. During that time, she volunteered to accompany him, making them one of the first married couples to serve. Frank was in the Fourth Division at Dragon Mountain, while she was with the 71st Evacuation Hospital.
Serving in the Malaria Ward, she recalled the Special Forces Captain that waited too long for treatment and was unable to be saved. She also remembered a young Corporal who received hospital treatment until he was well enough to return to duty.
“On the day he was due to be discharged from the hospital he said to me, ‘Ma’am, I am not going back out there.’ He promptly drank the lighter fluid that was sitting on the bed beside him before I could stop him,” Plichta said. “That spoke volumes to me of what that young man must have witnessed on the battlefield and the lengths he was willing to go to prevent going back out to the field.”
She also recalled setting up a Post Operative Ward and Intensive Care Unit just as the Dak To Conflict began to rage for three weeks in November of 1967. During that three-week period, over 1,600 admissions were made to the hospital, an average of 76 per day. Many patients required life-saving surgery as doctors and nurses worked 12-15 hours per day, seven days a week, she said.
“I remember our brave, young soldiers, many (faced with) life in a wheelchair. And I remember their smile when an American nurse walked up to their bed to care for them. And I remember the positive attitude and willingness of the medical team despite long grueling hours on duty,” she said. “I remember the army nurses who came from other hospitals in Vietnam to help us, and I remember that four of those dear nurses died in a plane crash going back to their duty station. I remember the little 2-year-old Vietnamese boy who was orphaned by friendly fire and admitted to the 71st Hospital for treatment of a fractured femur. We named him Jimmy. I took the time every day at lunch to hold Jimmy, to feed him and to love on him. I still wonder where Jimmy is today.”
The Tet Offensive in 1968 was “a horrible time,” as the 71st Evacuation Hospital received 1,670 casualties, she said. Thankfully, Plichta said she and her husband were fortunate enough to be out of the country celebrating their first wedding anniversary during this time.
“The stories that my friends told me of what they had gone through during that time period was terrifying, but thankfully the 71st suffered no casualties.” she said.
She remembered her hospital being mortared several times during her year there. She said she would join others in crawling under their bunks and staying there until the all-clear air siren was heard.
“What are my memories of the mortar attacks? My most special memory was that I was not afraid, that God was in control and that he would take care of me,” Plichta said.
She and her husband returned home from Vietnam in August of 1968. At that time, she resigned her commission to become a full-time wife and mother.
“It was an incredible experience for me to be an army nurse in Vietnam. It was an honor and a blessing for me to serve our brave American soldiers during that difficult period,” she said. “American soldiers are my heroes. They are unequaled in their love for country and their devotion to duty.”
After the event, Barker said Galax will go ahead and begin the project with the funds it’s already raised by using the Galax City Force. They will begin construction with grading and building the foundation.
“Then as additional funds are raised, that will allow the purchase of the actual granite memorials themselves,” Barker said.
Over the past three years, about $150,000 has been raised by the City, Barker said, with about $40,000 more coming from the old American Legion Post 145 and $80,000 coming from the Plichtas through the Memorial Foundation.
“We are still in debt over $150,000. The total project cost is about $400,000 if it was bid out. But our forces buy that cost down because we will only use funds to purchase materials for the project. Our labor costs will not be charged back on that,” Barker said. “So that is going to allow us to use those funds to go much further.”
The fundraising project will dictate when the Veterans Memorial can be completed, Barker said, which will include the purchase of the two granite memorial pieces. Personalized 5-by-10 inch pavers can be purchased for the memorial for $100. Anyone interested in honoring a loved one that has served in the military may learn how by visiting www.blueridgeveteransmemorial.com, by e-mailing veteransmemorial@earthlink.net or by calling (276) 238-9161. All donations are tax deductible.
Work begins on Veterans' Memorial
-Volunteers have raised enough money to get started, but more is needed to see the project to completion.
Friday, March 4, 2011 at 8:55 am
Ground was broken on Wednesday for the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial beside the Galax Public Library.
Organizers are hoping that the groundbreaking will stimulate some funding, as individuals see that the memorial is indeed a reality.
Frank and Sharon Plichta, who had the idea for the project, began working on the monument project a few years ago and have been fundraising for the past couple of years. So far, more than $150,000 has been raised, including funds from American Legion Post 245, city funds and donations.
The design for the project, created by artist Todd Price of Elk Creek and architect Doug Williams of Galax, includes paving stones, a water fountain, a place for family and friends to sit and reflect on their loved ones and granite pillars representing the branches of military service.
Galax Mayor C.M. Mitchell told a crowd gathered next to the memorial site on Wednesday that "it is important to remember those who have fought, died and served to guarantee our freedom."
The memorial is located at 610 W. Stuart Drive in Galax.
The city's backhoe begins construction
by removing the sidewalk.
Galax Mayor C,M. Mitchell addresses the crowd at the groundbreaking, next to a scale model of on of the monuments granite pillars.
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FCCLA Supports Veterans Memorial
Reprinted from The Galax Gazette, December 25, 2009
GHS FCCLA advisor Jackie Smite is shown with (from left) Kara Wilson, FCCLA president and Jade Webb, FCCLA vice president. They are displaying the Garmin GPS that FCCLA donated.
The Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial project announced that Galax High School's Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) class donated a Garmin GPS for a raffle to raise funds for the memorial.
The memorial's fundraising committee received this note from the FCCLA:
"Galax FCCLA would like to thank all the veterans who have served our country. We appreciate all you have done for us. Without your service the freedoms we take advantage of everyday would not exist. Because of your sacrifices we have opportunities and freedoms everyday. Thank you so much for everything you have given us.
"We’re excited that FCCLA at Galax High School recently won a Best Buy gift card. In honor of our veterans and their efforts to build a veterans memorial in Galax we are donating a Garmin GPS to them. The veterans are trying to raise money for a memorial at the Galax Public Library. They will raffle off the Garmin. The profits of the raffle will go toward making the memorial a reality."
The memorial committee said it is excited to have students involved with the fundraising. Raffle tickets can be obtained from FCCLA members and local veterans. Cost is $5 each. The winning ticket will be drawn at the memorial site at Galax Public Library at noon on Memorial Day, May 31, 2010.
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Veterans Memorial Changes Name
Reprinted from the Galax Gazette, December 16, 2009
The Twin County Veterans Memorial will now be known as the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial. The name change was requested to fall into line with local municipal and regional efforts to more accurately identify our area. Veterans and local government officials determined that the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial name more accurately identifies the goals and objectives of the Veterans Memorial Fund to be inclusive of all veterans in the area. This is only a name change. All other aspects of the Veterans Memorial Fund, the memorial design, the honor and memorial granite paving stones remain the same.
For additional information please visit our web site at: www.blueridgeveteransmemorial.com
Individuals wishing to make a contribution to the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial, a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, may write to the Veterans Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1023, Galax, VA 24333-1023.
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Vaughan Foundation Donates to Memorial
Taylor Vaughan (left), chair, president and CEO of Vaughan Furniture Company, and David Vaughan, senior executive president, present a $10,000 check from the Vaughan Foundation to Sharon Plichta, chair of the veterans memorial fundraising efforts.
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WSLS-TV, Channel 10, Roanoke, VA
Ashley Roberts, reporter for WSLS-TV, Channel 10 Roanoke, VA interviews Sharon Plichta about the Veterans Memorial. Interview was broadcast on Monday, August 24, 2009 on the 5:00 p.m. evening news.
Click above to see the report.
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Veterans' memorial reaches milestone
By APRIL WRIGHT Reprinted from The Galax Gazette, August 17, 2009
Military veterans Frank and Sharon Plichta of Galax have finally raised the first $110,000 — including $25,000 in city funds — to go towards the construction of the Twin County Veterans' Memorial to be built next to the Galax Public Library to honor and remember those who have served, but the couple is still short nearly $365,000.
Until the couple met with architect Doug Williams to get a firm estimate, they were looking at raising $300,000. Now, they'll need about $500,000 due to the high cost of India- and Canada-imported black granite, said Frank, who hopes to have the venue complete in the next two years.
“We're losing World War II veterans in large numbers,” said Frank. “And most of those veterans are in their 80s and older. We want as many of them as possible to see this.”
It's been 15 months of hard work, and the Plichtas have almost one-fourth of the money needed. They've hosted golf tournaments, rubber duck races, bridge games, auctions and showed up at every local festival. However, the biggest fundraiser has been the sale of granite pavers, which has really taken off since the groundbreaking this Memorial Day — increasing from one or two purchased each week to about 10.
“Right now we're just trying to keep it before the public,” said Sharon, who has looked towards local media and festivals to keep moving forward. “That's our major goal.”
Granite pavers are one way that each local area veteran can be a part of this memorial, said Frank. The pavers, sold in two sizes for $100 and $300, will line the walkway in and around the monuments and include the name and information for those who serve or have served in the military, both living and deceased. So far, they've sold more than 200, but the memorial should be able to hold at least 3,100 pavers. Frank and Sharon suggested that family members honor their loved ones through these pavers. It's time to recognize that Americans wouldn't be here without the work of these veterans, said Sharon.
“We know there are at least 900 veterans living today in the area, based on the census” and 11,000 veterans past and present in the Twin Counties, which doesn't take into account those that served during peace time. “And men that served during peace time are just as important because they were the ones waiting on the front lines.”
One company, E&L Diamond, honored all its veteran employees by purchasing five granite pavers, and that's one way businesses can recognize employees in a special way, they said.
The plans include a 3,600-square-foot memorial with three granite monuments — one in memory of those who served, one to honor those serving now and one to remember prisoners of war and those missing in action.
The entrance features a 16-by-14-foot granite pillar, flanked by two flag poles. At the base is an opening representing the rising or setting sun and a three-tiered water fountain. Six black granite pillars will be arrayed in circle to represent the six branches of the military, with each pillar to bear the branch insignia.
The large bronze globe on a stone table in the “honor” section of the memorial will provide geographical information for veterans to identify their areas of service. Also, a reflecting pool and fountain will be placed in the “memory” section.
The “POW/MIA” section includes an empty granite chair, the symbol for prisoners of war and those missing in action. The chair symbolizes their absence and waiting for their return home. It's flanked by two granite benches, where individuals may sit and reflect the fate of their missing loved ones.
Even though the construction may be more than two years away from even beginning, Frank already has in mind the first memorial service.
“Usually when you go to a Memorial Day service, it only lasts about 20 minutes with speech and prayer,” said Frank. “But that's pretty small when you consider the sacrifices they've made.” At midnight, the start of Memorial Day, a candle will be lit on each paving stone for an all-night vigil, he envisions. People will be able to come and go throughout the night to honor those who have served. At sunrise, the flag will be lowered to half-staff, as speeches and prayers take place during the day. At noon, the flag will be raised.
“This place will get used regularly,” he said, as each branch of the military can take advantage of the memorial for various services. “It won't be built and then forgotten.”
In February, Frank applied for four grants that support veterans issues, but hasn't heard whether they have been awarded. “We know the grant process takes a while, and we're just hoping they'll support us,” said Frank, noting that federal money, like stimulus dollars, cannot be used for this project. That's why the Plichtas are relying on private contributions and local municipalities to support the effort.
Frank said the area veterans groups have been so good to step up and have been financially generous. The Plichtas are just hoping that the county governments can work the memorial into their budgets and get other people on board.
“We're going to need veterans and non-veterans to help to get it built,” said Sharon. “We have the heart to build the memorial. We knew that it needed to be done and as long as the Lord gives us strength and health, we'll continue to pursue it.”
The Plichtas are working on holding the next fundraiser, a gospel singing, sometime soon, and they're asking for gospel groups to contact them about participating.
The Plichtas can speak at any civic clubs or churches about the Twin County Veterans' Memorial.
• For more information about the fundraisers, to make a donation, order a granite paver or volunteer, call 233-2179 or 238-9161, send e-mail to veteransmemorial@earthlink.net or see www.twincountyveteransmemorial.com. Someone with a knowledge of computers is needed to help with the Web site. Make checks payable to the Veterans Memorial Fundraiser, P.O. Box. 1023, Galax, Va. 24333
.
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Veterans begin new mission
Reprinted from The Galax Gazette, May 29, 2009
By BRIAN FUNK
The short metal shovels had dug foxholes and trenches on battlefields around the world, but on Memorial Day they turned the earth to create a peaceful place to reflect on veterans' service to their country.
Called entrenchment tools by the military, the folding shovels have been carried by U.S. soldiers for decades, as much a part of their gear as the rifle, helmet and canteen. They were dented, worn and some of them a little rusty. The olive drab paint was chipped.
But to all of them clung the soil from far-away fields where an American soldier marched, from the front lines of World War II in Europe and the Pacific, to the conflict in Korea, the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq and mountains of Afghanistan.
And like the veterans who wielded them to break ground for a new monument in Galax, the shovels were still strong, still able to get the job done.
Monday's groundbreaking was a long time coming for local veterans' organizations and volunteers, who banded together to create a lasting tribute to military service.
Sharon Plichta, a Vietnam veteran and chair of the Veterans Memorial Fund, said at the service that the memorial "brings together and honors all those who are now serving and is a lasting memorial to those who have died in past wars. "Every man and woman who wears the military uniform of their country continues an unbroken line of courage and service."
With the site chosen and the elaborate 3,600-square-foot memorial mapped out next to the Galax Public Library on West Stuart Drive, local veterans are undertaking a new mission — raising the $475,000 needed to build it.
Local veterans' groups are selling granite pavers to raise money for the memorial. The pavers will line the walkway in and around the structures. Plichta encouraged the volunteers to be aggressive in raising money to build the memorial as soon as possible. "It is our deep desire to get this memorial erected in a timely manner so that our World War II vets can enjoy it."
The structure will recognize the area's currently serving military personnel and veterans who served in any of the six branches of the nation's armed forces, from the Revolutionary War forward.
At the service on Monday, the granddaughter of former Korean War POW Arthur "Buck" Burcham read a poem about the tribulations prisoners of war have endured while spending "time in and earthly hell." In the darkest of hours, these prisoners supported each other and "each was like a brother," the poem said.
The next speaker knew firsthand of this experience. Glenn P. Caudell, a native of Galax and Fries, was a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II.
Caudell thanked those who worked hard on the memorial, and reminisced about his time as a prisoner. He remembers meeting local veteran Rupert Hampton in the prison camp. "I was surprised to see somebody from so close to home." There were others from the region that ended up together. Later, a pilot from Radford was shot down and brought to the camp, too.
Though taken out of action while being held prisoner, Caudell got to witness one of the monumental moments of World War II — the firebombing of Tokyo by Allied forces in retaliation for the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. "I saw the B-29 bombers come in 400 or 600 feet off the ground on the bombing raids," he recalls.
Galax Mayor C.M. Mitchell read portions of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, in which the president urged listeners to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work of soldiers who died in battle and "gave the last full measure of devotion" to their country. Mitchell said the memorial's purpose is "more than a symbol of fallen heroes or those who worked to protect our freedom and ideals." It's also a reminder of our responsibility to make sure, as Lincoln said, that "those dead have not died in vain."
Artist Todd Price of Elk Creek designed the monument, and Galax architect Doug Williams fit it onto the site between the main library and the Vaughan Building. The two flagpoles between the buildings will be relocated and made part of the memorial. It will consist of three large sections.
A circle of six black granite pillars will represent the six branches of the military in the Honor section, and each will bear a branch insignia. A large bronze globe on a stone table in the Honor section will allow veterans to identify their areas of service.
The Memory section will include the flagpoles and a reflecting pool and fountain. A single black granite monolith will be engraved with a soaring eagle.
The POW/MIA section includes a granite pillar with an empty chair — the symbol waiting for prisoners of war and those missing in action to return home.
At the service, Price said he was asked to create "a venue for veterans to tell your stories and honor your loved ones," and he feels he accomplished that. "I'm honored and humbled to be in your presence," he told the veterans.
When time came to break ground on Monday, Plichta talked about the entrenching tools as symbols of the armed forces over the ages and of the soldiers who carried them — a tool, not a weapon.
"They have sat dormant in attics and garages" until called back to duty. "We can only imagine how they may have been used to prepare a fighting position or as an aid in safety and comfort of the soldier." As they once broke ground to defend themselves, Plichta said, "we today dedicate this broken ground in their memory and honor." With that, the dirt of battlefields around the globe joined with the soil of Galax.
Joining Plichta in the groundbreaking were Caudell and Burcham; Mayor Mitchell and City Manager Keith Holland; American Legion 245 Cmdr. Rodger Jennings; Galax Disabled Veterans Cmdr. Ed Paisley; Carroll Disabled Veterans Cmdr. Roger Wilson; Hillsville VFW 1115 Cmdr. Oscar Hall; Galax VFW 7568 Cmdr. Billy Sexton; Independence VFW 7726 Cmdr. Dan Boyer; and Galax Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 710 President Frank Sayers.
The Rev. Tom Whartenby, a Vietnam veteran, delivered the opening prayer and Linda Bartlett played the National Anthem.
"We are a country at war and we must continue to remember our veterans and the sacrifices that both they and their families continue to make as they serve our country," Plichta said in closing.
"We thank all veterans for their devotion to duty, honor and country."
• Inscribed pavers honoring or memorializing veterans are available in two sizes — 5-by-10 inches for $100 and 10-by-10 inches for $300. For more information, send e-mail to veteransmemorial@earthlink.net or visit twincountyveteransmemorial.com.
Copyright www.galaxgazette.com. All rights reserved.
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"Veterans Memorial Marches Forward" Front Page
The Galax Gazette, Wednesday, January 21, 2009
by April Wright
After months of planning, designing, fundraising and overcoming challenges regarding the placement of the veterans monument, Galax City Council approved a resolution Monday to award an architectural and engineering services contract to Doug Williams of Galax, putting the city one step closer to building the Twin County Veterans Memorial.
In October 2008, council approved the site for the veterans' memorial on the grounds of the Galax Public Library and decided to move forward with securing the services of a consulting engineer.
Williams' services will include schematic design, final design, preparation of bid documents, bidding, negotiation and construction administration. The process will permit preliminary construction cost estimates and accommodate a phased construction schedule, depending on the total project costs.
The architectural and engineering services also includes a site survey and analysis of the construction site.
The memorial was designed by Elk Creek artist Todd Price, who will work in collaboration with Williams and the enginering team.
"I appreciate the fact that Todd Price will continue to be involved in the technical plans for the memorial," said Sharon Plichta, a Vietnam War veteran and chair of the veterans' memorial fundraising effort. "This will ensure that Todd's original concept will be followed as much as is technically possible."
Plichta and her husband Frank, also a veteran, hope to have the money raised and the monument constructed within two years, he told The Gazette in October 2008. But the Plichtas are highly anticipating the funds and the construction at a sooner date for the sake of aging World War II veterans.
The plans include a 3600-square-foot memorial with three large granite monuments -- one in memory of those who served, one to honor those serving now and one to remember the prisoners of war and those missing in action; a three-tiered water fountain and reflecting pool; six black granite pillers to represent each military branch; a large bronze globe; and a symbolic empty granite chair in the "POW/MIA" section to honor those who never came home.
"Our community is one more step closer to seeing the veterans memorial begin to take shape and honor all veterans who have contributed to the freedoms we hold dear to our hearts," said Rodger Jennings, commander of the American Legion Post 245.
"his memorial will provide local veterans organizations a place to gather on special days to honor and remember all who have fought for their country," said Frank Sayers, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 710.
"Our community has long needed a place of memory and reflection to help teach the next generation what our soldiers, sailors, airman and coast guardsmen have contributed to the great country in which we live," said Ed Paisley, commander of the local Disabled Veterans Post.
The Plichtas, volunteers and other veterans have been working to raise at least $300,000 to fund the construction of the veterans' memorial.
Sharon Plichta said the fundraising efforts to construct the memorial depend on the families of veterans to order granite pavers to recognize the contributions of their family members who served in the military.
Granite pavers are one way that each local area veteran can be a part of this memorial. The pavers will line the walkway in and around the monuments and include the name and information for those who serve or have served in the military both living and deceased.
Information about how to order granite pavers is located on the memorial's web site--twincountyveteransmemorial.com.
The Veterans Memorial Fund is a project supported by all veterans organizations and is administered by the American Legion Post 245, a nonprofit organization.
All contributions to the fund are tax-deductible.
For more information or to order a granite paver, send an e-mail to veteransmemorial@earthlink.net or call 238-9161.
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"Memorial effort deploys" Front Page
The Galax Gazette, Wednesday, October 15, 2008
=A veterans' monument will be built in a space beside the Galax Library= by April Wright
After battling a lawsuit for the past few years regarding the placement of a veterans' monument, the City of Galax can now proceed with plans to help a group of local veterans and volunteers erect the Twin County Veterans memorial at the Galax Public Library.
With the suit endding in the city's favor, Galax is moving forward with securing the services of a consulting engineer for technical design and cost estimates for the memorial designed by Todd Price, an artist from Elk Creek.
Also, Galax City Council approved Monday to have the memorial placed on public land, north of the library. The lawsuit alleged that the memorial was to be placed directly in front of the new library -- not to the side -- based on an attorney's understanding of the wishes of a late donor to the public library.
"Galax has a very long and rich history," said City Manager Keith Holland on Monday. "This gives us the opportunity to honor those who have served."
Sharon Plichta, a council member and Army veteran, said that with people serving and losing their lives in the current war, Galax should start honoring those veterans having a connection with the Twin Counties.
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"Memorial Needs Support" Letters to the Editor
The Galax Gazette, Monday, June 16, 2008
After the end of World War II, many individuals recognized the need for a memorial to honor the dead of December 7, 1941.
As president of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 710, I see a great need for a veterans' memorial in the city of Galax -- a memorial to honor all veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
In this city of patriotic citizens, there is no memorial, no garden, no bronze bust, no marker, nothing that would tell the world it was the birthplace and childhood home of some great Americans.
If any town should have a formal, permanent place where people can to to grieve, heal and remember, it is Galax.
Therefore, I strongly urge each and every veteran in the Twin Counties to help support the veterans' memorial.
As one of the committee persons, I find it an honor and a privilege to work with the American Legion to help make this memorial a reality for everyone to enjoy and be proud of.
Frank Sayers
President, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 710
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"Dream big, work hard" Editorial
The Galax Gazette, Monday, June 16, 2008
By The Gazette
It was exciting last week to see designs and plans for two projects in Galax — the further beautification of the downtown district and the veterans’ memorial planned at the Galax Public Library.
Artist Todd Price’s renderings of the granite monument to soldiers present and past was awe-inspiring. If organizers can raise the $300,000 they need, it will be a respectful and reverent testament to their service.
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The Galax Gazette, Monday, June 9, 2008 by Brian Funk
Monumental Effort
A group of veterans and volunteers are striving to build a monument that honors the men and women serving in the military today, the soldiers who have passed on and those who never returned home from the field of battle.
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The Galax Gazette, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 by Brian Funk
Flag Ceremony Honors Service
On Memorial Day, flags were raised at the Galax Public Library for the first time since the new building's construction. Conducting the ceremony were members of Independence VFW Post 7726. An honor guard was on hand to present the colors and represent branches of military service.
Memorial
