Honoring Sacrifice: The Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial

Alongside the Galax Public Library stands the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial. This distinctive landmark is a tribute to past and present veterans. Three granite monuments rise in witness. One is dedicated to remembering those who have served, another honors those currently serving, and a third commemorates prisoners of war and those missing in action. The memorial features a three-level water fountain and a reflective pool, six black granite pillars representing each military branch, a bronze globe, and a solitary granite chair in the POW/MIA section.

Although beautifully conceived and executed, it’s not just a place to visit on Veterans Day or Memorial Day. It’s a reminder of the cost of the freedoms we enjoy daily. Standing amidst the tributes, I’m reminded that each name represents someone who gave everything to a cause bigger than themselves. They fought not for glory or reward but because they believed in protecting their country, their families, and the ideals we hold dear.

Alongside the Galax Public Library stands the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial. This distinctive landmark is the City’s tribute to past and present veterans. Three granite monuments rise in witness to their sacrifice: one is dedicated to remembering those who have served, another honors those currently serving, and a third commemorates prisoners of war and those missing in action. The memorial features a three-level water fountain and a reflective pool, six black granite pillars representing each military branch, a bronze globe, and a solitary granite chair in the POW/MIA section.

Although beautifully conceived and executed by artist Todd Price, it’s not just a place to visit on Veterans Day or Memorial Day. It’s a reminder of the cost of the freedoms we enjoy daily. Standing amidst the tributes, I’m reminded that each name represents someone who gave everything to a cause bigger than themselves. They fought not for glory or reward but because they believed in protecting their country, their families, and the ideals we hold dear.

The Weight of Sacrifice

War is never clean or simple, and the people who fight in one know that better than anyone. The stories of those who never came home remind us of the weight that sacrifice truly holds. It’s easy to talk about service and honor from the comfort of our homes, but the reality of war is far more brutal. These veterans faced the unimaginable: combat in hostile terrain, days filled with fear, uncertainty, and often the cold, harsh understanding that not everyone would make it out alive.

Yet, they pressed on. Not because they were fearless but because they understood that their actions mattered. There was a job to be done, an enemy to defeat. Whether in the trenches of World War I, the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Vietnam, or the deserts of the Middle East, these individuals faced the harshest aspects of humanity. They endured not only physical battles but also the psychological tolls of warfare. Their bravery isn’t just in the moments they fought but in their decision to continue despite everything stacked against them.

Honoring by Living Fully

One of the most profound ways we can honor America’s fallen veterans is by living fully in the freedoms they safeguarded. To live well, care for each other, and pursue happiness without forgetting the cost is perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer. It’s easy to see Memorial Day or Veterans Day as moments for reflection, but living in a way that honors veterans’ legacy goes beyond these days of remembrance. It means carrying forward their commitment to something larger than ourselves, whether through service to our communities, care for our neighbors, or simply appreciating the freedoms we have.

At the same time, honoring them means being mindful of the struggles that those who returned home face. While we remember those who didn’t return, we must also support those who did. Many veterans still carry the invisible scars of war, and it is our responsibility as a country to ensure they receive the treatment and respect they deserve.

A Lasting Tribute

Ultimately, paying homage to America’s fallen veterans is more than just about looking back—it’s about looking forward, ensuring that their sacrifices continue to shape a better future. They may not be here to witness the freedoms they fought for, but we are. Our responsibility is to live in a way that honors them, carries forward their dedication, and keeps their stories alive in the way we live and the country we continue to build.
So, as we stand before the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial, let’s remember their loss and commit to honoring their legacy in all we do. Because in doing so, we ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their spirit lives on in each of us.

Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. The author of four books, Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovels Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.

So, as we stand before the Blue Ridge Veterans Memorial, let’s remember their loss and commit to honoring their legacy in all we do. Because in doing so, we ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their spirit lives on in each of us.