The Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission was created by the General Assembly to plan, develop and carry out programs and activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I and the 75th anniversary of World War II.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Delegate M. Kirkland Cox, Chairman | Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr., Vice Chairman | Delegate Richard L. Anderson | Delegate John M. O’Bannon III | Senator Bryce E. Reeves | Delegate Marcus B. Simon | Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr. | Brigadier General USA (Retired) John W. Mountcastle
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS: John L. Newby II, Commissioner, Department of Veterans Affairs | Lieutenant Colonel USA (Retired) John C. “Clay” Mountcastle, Director, Virginia War Memorial
A message from the Chairman – Delegate M. Kirkland Cox…
It is important that we honor our heroes and their service to our nation, and that we preserve and remember their stories. Nations across the world are marking the 100th anniversary of World War I and the 75th anniversary of World War II.
America’s entry into World War II in 1941 was a turning point in a conflict that had been raging since September 1939. More than 16 million men and women joined the fight, with over 400,000 Americans paying the ultimate price of freedom, more than 11,400 of whom were Virginians. Twenty-five years before that, more than 100,000 Virginians served in World War I, with over 3,700 dying from disease, combat and training accidents. We can never forget their sacrifice and the freedoms they fought to secure for the generations to come.
The Virginia WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission is planning a robust series of programs to commemorate the anniversaries of these events, seeking to honor the sacrifices of the soldiers and the citizens who supported their efforts back home. We hope that you will plan to join us throughout this statewide commemoration, as we come together to honor, to remember and to thank our heroes.