Stafford County Armed Services Memorial War memorial

Feel the cool granite beneath your fingertips. This is the Stafford County Armed Services Memorial. More than two hundred years of Stafford County residents have served in the US armed forces. Their sacrifices are honored here. This memorial isn’t just stone and etched granite. It’s a living testament to courage. It remembers the fallen from the Revolutionary War to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each marker represents a war. They march uphill mirroring the county’s contributions to national and international freedom. The design was inspired by soldiers marching in formation. A silhouette of fighting soldiers is etched onto a large marble surface. This acts as the final point in the march. It’s the highest point on the memorial grounds. The memorial doesn’t just honor those who fought. It also honors their families. Their sacrifices were shared. The memorial includes war markers. These stand 14.5 feet tall. They are made of American black granite. There’s also a 9000-pound etched wall. A 3000-pound floating granite globe sits above a pentagon-shaped base. The pentagon represents the five branches of the Armed Services. The memorial was a community effort. The Stafford County Armed Services Memorial Commission and a working group raised money for the project. Local school students also contributed to the memorial’s design. The project cost $838,000. Construction began in March 2017. It officially opened in July 2017. Stand here and reflect on the dedication and sacrifice. Remember all who served. The Stafford County Armed Services Memorial stands as a powerful tribute. A lasting symbol of those who fought for freedom.