Virginia War Memorial Adds New Educational Wing

At our Oct. 11 meeting, John Hatfield discussed the many new exciting changes that have taken place at the Virginia War Memorial.
Hatfield, executive director of the memorial, said the landmark "belongs to all Virginians" and that it "honor's its vets unlike any other memorial in the U.S." with its location overlooking the James River and the downtown Richmond skyline.
Dedicated in 1956, it stands to honor the Virginians who have given the ultimate sacrifice in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.
Hatfield said the memorial began to fall into disrepair in the 1990's and the 200-seat auditorium was all the space visitors had at the memorial. 
The memorial recently opened the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Educational Center, an 18,000 square foot addition that allows the memorial to expand its educational offerings and adds to the experience for visitors. 
He said they have added educational programming such as seminars and documentaries, including the award-winning "Virginians at War", an interview film series with Virginia veterans which he called "hard hitting and emotional."   There also is a 800-seat amphitheater as part of the updated facilities as well.   The center and memorial also aim to educate middle school and high school students to the history of our state and veterans at war.