Todd was commissioned to design a veterans' memorial by Galax Assistant City Manager Keith Barker. It is being built next to the new Galax Public Library in Virginia. Todd designed the Blue Ridge Veterans’ Memorial to recognize the service of the six branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. He did so with the disabled in mind. He wanted the respect and distinction of their service to be remembered.

Throughout the three-part, 3,600 square foot memorial, there are many areas of symbolism. Three large granite monuments represent Memory for those who served, Honor for those serving and Remembrance for the prisoners of war and missing in action. Three concentric circles represent life and eternity. The shapes are obelisks, like the Washington Monument, they point to heaven, to God.

The design features a circle of six stone pillars identified with each service branch insignia and a seventh pillar in the center featuring an eagle. The pillars will have black polished granite surfaces with rough edges, symbolic of war and peace. The eagle on the center pillar is free and flying, not perched. Todd explains that the angle of the eagle’s wings is meant to evoke the gentle slope of the Appalachian Mountains and a salute.

The POW/MIA section is a pillar which incorporates an empty granite chair, the symbol for prisoners of war and those missing in action. A large bronze globe on a stone table in the Honor section of the memorial will allow veterans to identify their areas of service.

“It’s a very reverent and fitting memorial,” said Frank Plichta. He and his wife, Sharon, both veterans, are leading the main fundraiser for the memorial. Additional information can be found at www.blueridgeveteransmemorial.com.