Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Armed Forces Memorial

Photographed By Laura Troy, November 4, 2007

1. Armed Forces Memorial Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Armed Forces Memorial is located here on a river that has for more than 200 years carried servicemen off to war and returned them home to loved ones. Within the Memorial are 20 inscriptions from letters written home by U.S. service members who lost their lives in war. The letters have been cast in thin sheets of bronze and are scattered across the Memorial as if blown there by the wind. From the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War each conflict is represented.

Revolutionary War 1775–1783 • War of 1812 1812–1815 • Civil War 1861–1865 • World War I 1917–1918 • World War II 1941–1945 • Korean War 1950–1953 • Vietnam 1962–1975 • Gulf War 1990–1991

Caution: The Memorial contains bronze letters protruding from the walk. Please watch your step and show appropriate respect. Adults should accompany children, and no pets please.

Erected by City of Norfolk.

Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Military • War of 1812

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• War, Korean • War, US Civil • War, US Revolutionary • War, Vietnam • War, World I • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Norfolk Heritage Cannonball Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.

Location. 36° 50.769′ N, 76° 17.668′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Waterside Drive and Boush Avenue. This marker sits in Town Point Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Battle of Ironclad Ships, 1862 (within shouting distance of this marker); Navy Escort Carriers Based in Norfolk (within shouting distance of this marker); Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cannonball Trail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Half Moone Fort, 1673 (about 300 feet away); The Cedar

Armed Forces Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022

2. Armed Forces Memorial

(about 300 feet away); Downtown Waterfront Revitalization (about 300 feet away); Town Point (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

More about this memorial. This marker is part of the Norfolk Heritage Cannonball Trail

Also see . . .
1. Armed Forces Memorial in Norfolk. (Submitted on November 17, 2009, by Mary Margaret Ware of Memphis, Tn, U.s..)
2. Armed Forces Memorial in Norfolk. This link includes photos of the park area next to the Elizabeth River and photos of three inscribed bronze letters from soldiers (out of the twenty total letters). (Submitted on November 17, 2009, by Mary Margaret Ware of Memphis, Tn, U.s..)