Lest we not forget... A trip to the Virginia War Memorial

From time to time I come across things that make me think a lot about where we are as a nation, and especially where we have been.  A famous man once said "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."  This quote rings especially true today as we have been involved in so many disputes with nations around the world and it appears that will be a trend that is not going to change in the near future.  What got me thinking about this was a recent trip I took to the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, VA.

In an earlier blog I said that my son is in the Civil Air Patrol.  He has expressed his desire to join the Air Force when he graduates.  He takes his duties in the CAP very seriously.  He has been in for about 15 months and is about to receive his 4th promotion from the rank of Senior Airman to Staff Sergeant.  He loves to watch the history channel.  He enjoys reading and learning about history.  I think its especially important for him to clearly understand our nations military history so that he can be fully educated in his decision to serve our country's armed forces.  

One of the things I love about the Virginia War Memorial is that when you walk in, you are greeted immediately by one of the docents.  Most of the docents are Vets themselves.  They aren't just talking about what happened, they lived it.  They know, or they themselves are the people in many of the pictures on the walls.  Many of them personally contributed to the exhibits.  For them, the information isn't just history, but it is memories.

Outside the facility you are hit immediately with the sheer size and scope of the place.  There is a huge monument erected with the names of all the Virginians who have lost their lives in combat from WWI through the Persian Gulf.  The view is majestic as the hillside overlooks the river and the cityscape of Richmond.  They do not charge entry to the memorial, but they do have ways you can contribute if you would like.  One of those ways is to purchase a "brick".  On that brick you can have something printed.  Most of the bricks are memorials to veterans in the area.  Its a great way to memorialize a person.

Once inside the facility you realize that there is far to much to take in for just one day.  They have a wide selection of videos that you can choose from in the theater and a show that I wont spoil for you, but will amaze you!  The exhibits are amazing as well.  They range from the revolutionary war through modern times.

The vast majority of whats displayed are actual items from the time period and not replicas.  The weaponry, the medals, the uniforms, and small pieces and parts from actual battleships bring you as close to the history as possible.  Each display contains information specific to the event, not just overall, but snippets of history relevant to Virginians.

They have a great display on the history of women in the military as well.  A view of the changes in the uniforms over the years show just how things have really changed.

Letters, communications, and telegrams over the years are displayed as well.  When you read the words "I regret to inform you..." it brings home the sacrifices that these people gave for all of us.

They have an entire library of books and videos that can be used for research.  They have conference rooms and large areas that can be rented out for just about any purpose from parties, meetings, and receptions.  The views outside make for a beautiful backdrop for photos.  Most importantly, there is a tremendous amount that can be learned from just spending time there.

My son asked me after we left when we could go back again.  He wants to look at all of movies they have available.  He wants to spend time in that library as well.  We will be going back very soon.  I spoke to his commander about having the whole group go together so that they can all get this experience.  It is an experience he will not forget, but just as important, it will help to shape him as he grows within his own military experience.  If you are visiting the Richmond area in the future, make this one of your can't miss stops along the way.  It is well worth the time spent.

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