The inspiration for the project came from both the mayor of Vinton and Vinton Town Council member Carolyn Fidler, who then approached Barbara (“Bootie”) Chewning about it. The next step was the formation of the Vinton Vision Committee to set the project in motion. The committee’s purpose was to realize the building of a monument as part of the already existing Vinton War Memorial Building, to commemorate both past Vinton and Roanoke County veterans who gave their lives in service to their country and men and women of the armed forces currently on active duty.
“We wanted something [where] someone could . . . go and sit down and pray and just . . . think about what’s gone on in our wars and how many people have left us because of the wars,” Chewning says. “That’s how the inspiration came around.”
Now, five years after the original inspiration for the monument was conceived, the Vinton/Roanoke County Veterans Monument is near completion. The finishing touches are currently being set in place, with the dedication of the monument to occur by November 9 of this year—provided that construction and final financing work out. Regarding the former, Chewning says you never know. Veteran’s Day is November 11.
“Last year we got delayed, like everyone did, from the snow. There were days that they couldn’t do anything, and it pushed the construction back.” As for the financial aspect of the project, the Vision Committee is seeking the help of the community, businesses, and individuals. People can help in two ways. The first is buying a brick that will be part of the star-shaped brick cobblestone walkway entrance surrounding the monument. Each brick will bear the names of those who have and are serving the nation, and provide an enduring tribute to them. The cost of purchasing a brick is $150.
Chewning adds that the brick can honor veterans from any war. “This is for all people and, again, it is for Roanoke County and Vinton. The applications for bricks are available at the war memorial and (from) any Vision Committee member . . . They can go online at our website (www.vintonva.gov) and download it, and send the application in.”
Those not wishing to buy a commemorative brick can still help by making a donation of any amount. “It can be ten dollars, twenty-five dollars, or even kids going from house to house collecting for it. Anyone can make a donation to it,” said Chewning. Donations from larger companies are also welcome, with the firms making such contributions being recognized as well.
The final design for the monument was chosen from four proposals culled from submissions from artists nationwide. The four finalists submitted their final designs for consideration. Both the public and Vinton Town Council chose the same design as the final winner. Designed by the team of Larry Bechtel, John Kirtley, and Mary Babcock, High Ground (the title of the monument) is an octagonal pavilion with columns—each of which bears various quotations. A bronze American flag occupies the center of the monument, with a fountain beneath it. The structure will bear the names of soldiers who gave their lives for their country as well as an inscription: HERE PAUSE AWHILE – TO BLESS THEIR SLEEP — WHO FELL IN WAR — TO SAVE OUR PEACE — THEN GO RENEWED — AND BUILD THE LIVES — THEY LOST FOR YOU – IN GOD WE TRUST. The name High Ground came from a Vietnam veteran who said that in battle, “ a soldier always looks for the high ground.” Similarly, the monument was designed in such a way that visitors would continually focus their attention upward.
For more information about how to make a donation to the Vinton/Roanoke County Veterans Monument, contact Candye Ann Peters, Assistant Campaign Director, at (540) 525-8449 or Mary Beth Layman, Town of Vinton, at (540) 983-0613.