The Danville / Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial

Veterans Memorial at Dan Daniel Memorial Park

A Danville, Virginia teacher recently asked her students, "What did veterans do?" A young boy raised his hand and said, "They did what they had to do so that we can do what we want to do."

In 2005, a small group of people began an effort to display their gratitude to all veterans from the area. The Veterans Memorial Committee began plans for a memorial to honor local veterans of all wars and peacetime.

A half-acre site in Dan Daniel Memorial Park was the location selected. The City of Danville Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism provided the land and along with the Department of Public Works, assisted in construction and project management. A large number of local contractors and businesses donated labor and material.

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Veterans' posts throughout the city and county provided financial support. Countless individuals supported the effort with their labor and monetary donations. The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region continues its assistance with its management and disbursement of funds.

The site is comprised of a 7 foot high by 158 foot black granite wall with the names of all local veterans who died in our Nation's wars from the American Revolution to our present conflicts. The central focus of the wall is the engraved slogan, "Freedom is not Free."

A circular brick Memorial Walkway engraved with veterans' names on individual bricks enhances the site. Veterans from anywhere, living or dead, qualify for an engraved brick. The public is encouraged to purchase a brick (PDF) for any honorably discharged loved one or for any man or woman currently serving in any branch of our armed services.

Granite plaques imbedded in the Memorial Walkway relate a brief history of each of our Nation's conflicts. The center of the circular walkway features the flags of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the flag that pays homage to our prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The black granite benches circling the perimeter of the Memorial Walkway allow visitors to pause, to reminisce, and to contemplate.

The Veterans Memorial is a beautiful tribute to all local veterans who "did what they had to do." It will be a reminder for future generations of all the brave men and women who give of themselves to protect our freedom. The Memorial's slogan, "Freedom Is Not Free", takes on a more powerful meaning with your visit which provides a place for quiet reflection on those who fought and those who continue to fight for our freedom.