The Commonwealth’s TGA 5K Memorial Day They Gave All Ceremony REGISTRATION OPEN H H Monday, May 25 Saturday, May 23

Spring 10 am – noon 7:30 am – 10:30 am 2020 Heilman Amphitheater Heilman Amphitheater

New at the War Memorial

Virginia Medal of Honor Gallery Beyond the Call of Duty

his gallery is the only place in the Commonwealth where you can learn the history of the brave Virginians who have been awarded the nation’s highest and most prestigious military honor for valor. T Of the more than 25 million men and women who have served and sacrificed in our nation’s wars, fewer than 3,600 have received the Medal of Honor. And of those, 50 have been officially attributed to the Commonwealth of Virginia by the Department of Defense. Each of the Virginia recipients is remembered in this gallery with a plaque that bears the recipient’s full name, hometown, military unit, a description of the recognized action, and the full text of the citation. Also in the gallery are video stations where honorees can be researched, and additional information about the individuals and the events related to their service can be reviewed. Below are a few of Virginia’s Medal of Honor recipients you can learn about in the gallery.

JIMMIE W. MONTEITH JR. ROBERT BLAKE JAMES GARDINER

Robert Blake was born into slavery James Gardiner worked as an oysterman in Virginia. In June 1862, his owner’s before enlisting in the Union Army from plantation was burned during a Union Yorktown, Virginia, on September 15, naval expedition up the Santee River. About 1863. He joined Company I of the 36th Regiment 400 slaves from the plantation, including Blake, United States Colored Troops as a private. At the were taken as contraband onto Union ships. By Battle of Chaffin’s Farm, Virginia, on September December 25, 1863, Blake had been transferred to 29, 1864, Gardiner’s regiment was among a division USS Marblehead. While Blake was on the ship’s of black troops assigned to attack the Confederate gun deck, he was knocked down by an exploding defenses at New Market Heights. The attack was met Confederate shell. The explosion had killed a powder with intense Confederate fire; over half of the black boy manning one of the guns. Blake had no assigned troops were killed, captured, or wounded. The day combat role and could have retreated to relative after the battle, Gardiner was promoted to sergeant. safety below deck, but he instead chose to take Several months later and three days before the end over the powder boy’s duties. The Confederates of the war, on April 6, 1865, he was issued the Medal eventually abandoned their position, leaving a gun of Honor for his actions at Chaffin’s Farm.

behind. For his actions during the firefight, Blake BELOW: The Virginia Medal of Honor Gallery in the was awarded the Medal of Honor four months later, new C. Kenneth Wright Pavilion features the stories of on April 16, 1864. all 50 of the state’s Medal of Honor recipients. First Lieutenant Jimmie W. Monteith Jr.’s headstone at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Basse- Normandie, France.

The citation for this brave Virginian reads: “1st Lt. Monteith landed with the initial assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire. Without regard to his own personal safety he continually moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further assault. . . . Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions. . . . Supervising the defense of his newly won position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to ignore his own personal safety, repeatedly crossing the 200 or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links in his defensive chain. When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by A wartime photo 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of First Lieutenant Exhibition Design Group Design: 1717 of emulation.” Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. FROM THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT The Veterans’ Art Gallery Rock Solid Support from Creative expression shaped by Southside Virginia military service

A few months ago, before his space is a natural extension of our efforts I joined the Foundation, to provide veterans a safe place, free from Joyce Ellen French and T judgment and convention, to tell their stories Ted Daniel announced in their own words and images. the Southside Initiative. Currently on view: stunning artwork in a They approached other variety of mediums from Mike Fay, Diana de Avila, like-minded citizens, Pamela Corwin, Bernie Donato, Dennis Hicks, businesses, and local and Saxon Martinez. governments in Southside Our next art show opens June 1, 2020: Virginia about working together to show the Commonwealth, and the Sacred Scenes: American Parks country, how important their area has been in and Battlefields shaping our nation’s history through military The Photography of Frank Lee Ruggles service and sacrifice. Their efforts have resulted and Amanda Ransom in close to $100,000 in gifts and grants to the Their individual work captures the beauty and Virginia War Memorial Foundation in memory majesty of some of America’s most hallowed spaces: and in honor of those brave souls whose names are Saxon Martinez national parks and national battlefields. Together, etched on the walls of the Shrine of Memory. USMC, Assault Amphibious Crewman 2008–2012 their photography paints a picture of places that And a rugged piece of granite from Aircraft Rescue Firefighter 2012–2016 are purely American with a history that connects Mecklenburg County, hauled to the Memorial by us all, and must be protected. a crew from J.A. Barker Construction, Inc. now anchors the Walkway of Honor. It is support like this, from areas all over the state and country, which helps us in our mission H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H to honor veterans, preserve history, educate our youth, and inspire patriotism in all.

Pamela R. Seay PRESIDENT VIRGINIA WAR MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

WA L K WAY of HONOR

Proudly sponsored by the citizens and businesses of SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA in honor of those who served its localities in the military forces of the United States in war and peace, and in loving memory of those who gave their lives in that service.

Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Pittsylvania County, Towns of Halifax, South Boston and South Hill

Walkway of Honor Dr. Glenn E. Garland Southside Initiative Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Gee Mr. & Mrs. Dexter T.P. Gilliam, Jr. Donors Mr. & Mrs. Norris F. Gryder AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 2020 Mr. & Mrs. Richard O. Harrell, III Mr. & Mrs. George M. Hayes American Legion Post 79 — Haymes Brothers, Inc. South Hill Mr. & Mrs. H.F. Haymore, Jr. Dr. W.C. Anderson, III Mr. & Mrs. Edward R. Jelinek Mr. R.T. Arnold Playwright Rachel Landsee, Mr. & Mrs. James Jennings Mr. & Mrs. Walter H. Bass, III MAJ, USA, (ret.) JAG Corps, Ms. Carolyn T. Jones Mr. Walter R. Beales, III Mr. & Mrs. Fletcher B. Jones and her daughter, Tess Mr. Neal E. Blackwell Kenbridge Construction Co. Blue Ridge Beverage Co. Col. & Mrs. Michael E. Koch Mr. Robert A. Archer Lawrence Distributing Co. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Bond Mr. & Mrs. Barry W. Dalton Solex Architecture Mr. & Mrs. John Lee Mr. & Mrs. Douglas V. Bowman The Mighty Pen Project Mac Bailey Family Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Henry M. Bugg Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Majors Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Clark ow in its seventh year, our Mighty Pen groundbreaking initiative for military veterans. Mr. & Mrs. Wallace E. Matthews Mr. & Mrs. Edward E. Coleman, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Warren Matthews Project continues to offer intensive writing Opening this September, four one-act plays written Mr. & Mrs. William Confroy Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. McCormick, III classes to help and encourage veterans by Virginia veterans will be professionally produced County of Halifax N Mr. & Mrs. H.S. McDannald County of Pittsylvania and their loved ones to commit to paper their by Firehouse. The four playwrights worked with Mr. & Mrs. Ronald McMahon Ms. Arlene Creasy memories and reflections, together forming a living Mighty Pen founder, author, and professor David Mr. & Mrs. Donald W. Merricks Mr. & Mrs. George R. Creedle, III documentary of American military service. L. Robbins to create War in Pieces, an evening of Mr. & Mrs. Andrew N. Moody Mr. Richard N. Crenshaw Mr. & Mrs. L.H. Newcomb The Virginia War Memorial, in partnership staged performances of their experiences of combat Mr. & Mrs. Richard T. Crowder Mr. & Mrs. F. Dave Newsom with the Mighty Pen Project and Firehouse and the home front. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home Mr. & Mrs. William A. Paulette Ms. Gay Currie Theatre of Richmond, is taking part in another Mr. & Mrs. Mickey Piercy Mr. & Mrs. Barry W. Dalton Pinnacle Construction & Mr. Terry A. “Ted” Daniel Development Corp. Mr. & Mrs. Dennis R. Davis Mr. William Park Dewberry – Danville Virginia War SECRETARY Ms. Alison M. Kaufmann Virginia War Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Raab Mr. Bryan Bradner LTG Joseph R. Inge, CWO-3 Michael A. Kord, Mr. & Mrs. Michael M. Rand Memorial Foundation Memorial Dunavant Engineering and USA (Ret.) USMC (Ret.) RADM & Mrs. Frank F. Rennie, IV, Board of Directors Foundation Construction Ms. Shari E. Litow USN (Ret.) TREASURER Mr. & Mrs. Jack Dunavant 2020 Mr. John A. Luke, Jr. Staff Mr. & Mrs. Jerry D. Reynolds Mr. Bill Davis Ms. Jane Dunavant Hon. Alexander B. McMurtrie, Jr. Mr. F.W. Richards, Jr. CHAIR PRESIDENT Ms. Mary Jane Elkins Mr. Barry F. Moore, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Lucien W. Roberts Ms. Linda V. Schreiner Mr. Robert A. Archer Ms. Pamela R. Seay Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Emory, Jr. Hon. John M. O’Bannon, III, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Santoro, Jr. Mr. Joseph C. Barto III Estes Express Lines IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Mr. Michael L. Santoro, Jr. DIRECTOR OF Mr. & Mrs. Rick Slusser Mrs. Peter W. Brown Ms. Patricia Garland RADM Frank F. Rennie, IV, Mr. Jamal Thomas DEVELOPMENT Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sparkman Mr. David A. Christian Ms. Mary-Michael Wachur Ms. Carolyn Estes Williams USN (Ret.) LTC Ronald O. White, USA (Ret.) Mr. & Mrs. Coleman Speece Mr. John V. Cogbill, III The Hon. & Mrs. Gordon B. DEVELOPMENT Mr. & Mrs. John R. Starling 1ST VICE-CHAIR Mr. Stephen Y. Dickinson EMERITUS Eubank, Jr. CDR Kathleen Owens, OPER ATIONS Mr. & Mrs. Paul Sullivan Hon. John S. Edwards Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr. MANAGER Mr. & Mrs. Harrison Inge USN (Ret.) Ms. Frances La Neave Thackston CDR Paul E. Galanti, USN (Ret.) Hon. Frank D. Hargrove, Sr. Ms. Jeannie Inge Ms. Brenna P. Magette Town of Halifax 2ND VICE-CHAIR MG LH Ginn, USA (Ret.) RDML John G. Hekman, & Mr. James Potter EVENTS MANAGER Town of South Boston Mr. Richard L. St. John, Jr. Mr. C. David Hudgins USN (Ret.) LTG & Mrs. Joseph R. Inge, Ms. Kerrie L. Arcand Town of South Hill USA (Ret.) Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Zincone Ms. Joyce Inge French FROM THE MEMORIAL DIRECTOR — In the C. Kenneth Wright Pavilion ALSO NEW The Opening Was Grand

It was with a combined Expanded and Improved sense of excitement and Space for Education relief that we dedicated the new Shrine of (We also need a larger whiteboard) Memory expansion and opened the C. Kenneth new distance-learning classroom will Wright Pavilion here allow us to stream our classroom programs at the Virginia War A and teacher education programs in Memorial on 29 February. real time. On-site and off-site teacher institutes This project was over four years in the making, continue to be of significant importance to our but the families of those honored in the Shrine educators who want professional development of Memory — Global War on Terrorism and opportunities as well as curriculum content. Our Beyond have waited much longer to see their efforts continue to reach not only traditional loved ones honored. Now, we will be able to use school groups but also adult learners in the Lifelong this world-class facility to honor their memory Learning Institute, retirement communities, and and make a real impact in the Commonwealth in veterans organizations. terms of educational programming, events, and other exciting initiatives. As director of the War Memorial, I have never been prouder of what we have accomplished or more enthusiastic about what the future holds. This expansion is the H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H springboard that will launch us into a new era of discovery, identifying the many ways that we can be the greatest living memorial possible and OTHER EXHIBITIONS continue to set the standard for the nation. With the continued support from our state and proud, committed patriots, we will prove over and over just how much Virginia values those sacrifices made by its sons and daughters, and how dedicated we are to ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate those sacrifices. These are exciting times at the Virginia War Memorial, and I look forward to seeing you here soon and having you join our mission.

Military Photography: Arms for the Nation The Vietnam Wall Dr. Clay Mountcastle An Added Dimension This long-term exhibition tells and the Three Soldiers Director the story of the resolve, spirit, Military-themed photography The statuette featured in the Virginia War Memorial from the and skills of Virginians who have McMurtrie Grand Lobby, a to the Global War on Terrorism, fought to gain and preserve replica of the statue on the stereoscopic images, and 2D our nation’s freedoms from National Mall, was recently images converted to 3D images the American Revolution to donated by Tommy Johnson, (anaglyphs) give visitors a the present. The exhibition a Vietnam-era veteran who different perspective on history. highlights the Jean H. and served as a U.S. Air Force medic. Howard P. Hart Collection of U.S. Martial Arms and artifacts.

Admiral Hekman Retires fter more than 20 years of service to the Virginia War Memorial and A the Foundation, RDML John G. Hekman, USN (Ret.), retired as of January 1, 2020. His service spanned terms as trustee on the Virginia War Memorial Board, Foundation Director, and Executive Director of the Foundation. His tireless leadership and relentless fundraising resulted in the successful completion of two capital campaigns, the launch of a planned giving program, and numerous other initiatives. His intellect and creative spark will be greatly H H H H H H H H missed. To honor his service, the Memorial OUR MISSION has created the John G. Hekman Volunteer of To honor veterans, the Year Award, to be preserve history, educate youth, given annually to a volunteer who exemplifies Walkway of Honor and inspire patriotism in all. the attributes that made the Admiral a critical Purchasing a brick to be placed on the Walkway of part of the Memorial and Foundation. We say OUR VISION Honor is a meaningful and permanent way to “job well done,” but not “goodbye,” because Advancing knowledge of history commemorate an event, honor a friend or family we expect Admiral Hekman to return each and cultural awareness member, or remember a loved one. year to present the award. In addition, he throughout the Commonwealth will assume the position of director emeritus Order bricks before April 15, 2020, to be installed and beyond by sharing of the Foundation. in time for the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day and preserving veterans’ Ceremony on May 25. Contact Brenna Magette at personal stories and [email protected] or (804) 786-2069. America’s military past. Now available for your special event 621 South Belvidere Street Belvidere 621 South Richmond, Virginia 23220 Virginia Richmond,

There’s a reason Venture Richmond has named the Virginia War Memorial one of the top ten best places in Downtown Richmond to photograph and be photographed. Consider the views, the interiors, and the remarkable mission of this stunning facility. Open spaces or quiet places — guests will long remember this location. Meeting amenities and plentiful parking are among the other features that make the War Memorial a perfect place to rent for a special event or celebration. For more information, contact Kerrie Arcand at [email protected] or call (804) 786-2176.

The Virginia War Memorial Foundation rents its beautifully appointed indoor and outdoor spaces for events ranging from small business meetings and large educational conferences to dinner banquets and formal receptions.

Virginia War Memorial 621 South Belvidere Street Richmond, Virginia 23220 OPEN — Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm Sunday: noon – 4 pm Shrine of Memory: open 5 am to midnight daily CLOSED — New Year’s Day, Easter, NONPROFIT ORG. PERMIT NO. 2335 NO. PERMIT

Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day RICHMOND, VA U.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE U.S. VaWarMemorial.org PAID

PHOTOGRAPHY: Mark Mitchell Photography, David L. Robbins, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Virginia War Memorial NEWSLETTER DESIGN: Communication Design Inc.

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Calendar Enjoy a glass of wine and spectacular views at Sips on the Skyline. of Events For ticket and sponsor information, visit VaWarMemorial.org.

Virginia Forum 2020, Crafting History March 26–28, 2020 An opportunity for scholars, teachers, writers, museum and historic site professionals, librarians, archivists, and all Virginia history and culture enthusiasts to exchange ideas, research, and experiences. Register in advance at VaWarMemorial Commonwealth’s Memorial Sips on the Skyline .org/vaforum2020. Day Ceremony September 25, 2020 May 25, 2020 7 pm – 10 pm TGA 5K — They Gave All 10 am – noon Silent auction Presented by Heilman Amphitheater (ticketed event) Loyalty Automotive For sponsor, volunteer, May 23, 2020 (Saturday) Art Exhibition Opening and ticket information, 7:30 am – 10:30 am June 1, 2020 call (804) 786-2074 Registration and Details at Sacred Scenes: American or email mmwachur@ VaWarMemorial.org /5k Parks and Battlefields, vawarmemorial.org The Photography Commonwealth’s Memory, Leo of Frank Lee Ruggles Veterans Day Ceremony Friedlander’s and Amanda Ransom November 11, 2020 monumental Reception/Meet the Artists 10:45 am – 1 pm sculpture of June 5, 2020 Heilman Amphitheater, 6 pm – 8 pm a grieving Free and open to the public Veterans Hall West & East woman keeping watch over the Military Records Research Patriot Day eternal flame of and Preservation Class September 11, 2020 patriotism 6 pm – 8 pm November 12, 2020 Heilman Amphitheater, 6 pm – 8 pm Shrine of Memory — Global Schumann Conference 5K War on Terrorism and Beyond Room Commonwealth’s Pearl For the latest event Harbor Day Ceremony details, visit December 7, 2020 VaWarMemorial.org 11 am – 3 pm

TGA or call (804) 786-2060. Shrine of Memory — 20th Century, Russell Scott Hall H H H