Veterans Memorial

Memorial Honors All Local Veterans

The Danville area has a permanent reminder that “Freedom is Not Free.” A Veterans Memorial dedicated in 2007 in Dan Daniel Memorial Park features a black granite wall inscribed with the names of all local men who died in all of our nation’s conflicts from the Revolutionary War to our current War on Terrorism.

A centerpiece of the Veterans Memorial is the circular brick walkway engraved with names of veterans who served, or are serving, in war and peace. The bricks honor veterans of all branches of service, not only from the local area but also from any location, any war, or any time period.

Family and friends have an opportunity to honor a special veteran with the purchase of a brick in their honor. The Memorial Walkway currently contains over 6,000 beautifully engraved bricks.

Envisioned and coordinated by the Veterans Memorial Committee, with financial administration by the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, the project reached completion in less than three years.

Planning Your Visit

There are so many things to see on your visit to the Veterans Memorial. Be sure to plan to come when you have plenty of time to explore!

Veterans

Veterans are typically at the memorial during summer months in the mornings before lunch. If you are planning a visit be sure to visit when they may be there. It adds another level to your visit when you are able to have a veteran show you around and explain the history behind the memorial. Veterans may also assist you with finding a particular brick or answering any questions you may have.

Plaques

There are 13 granite plaques imbedded in the Memorial Walkway to relate a brief history of each of our Nation’s conflicts. Be sure to read each one as they tell a wonderful story.

• The Danville/Pittsylvania County Veteran’s Memorial
• The American Revolutionary War
• The War of 1812
• The Mexican War
• The American Civil War
• The Spanish-American War
• World War I
• World War II
• The Korean War
• The Vietnam War
• Defending Freedom
• The War on Terrorism
• Our Veterans: A Salute

Flags

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.

Benches

The black granite benches circling the perimeter of the Memorial Walkway allow visitors to pause, to reminisce, and to contemplate. When the memorial was first being built the benches were sold as a fundraiser for the memorial, though they are no longer being sold they are certainly a wonderful addition to the memorial.

Additional information, including a list of veterans honored on the brick walkway, can be found here on the City of Danville’s Veterans Memorial site.