The Great Falls Freedom Memorial was created in 2004 to honor all who have served our country, in particular the residents of Great Falls who gave “the last full measure of devotion,” including six on September 11, 2001. Retired Marine Corps Colonel Peter Hilgartner was the founding force that drove the Memorial’s creation.
Located behind the Great Falls Library at 9830 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, Virginia, the Freedom Memorial hosts three annual ceremonies, on Memorial Day, September 11, and Veterans’ Day, as well as a 5K race on July 4. The ceremonies usually include a color guard, patriotic songs, and a keynote speaker.
The ceremonies are planned by a board of directors, advised by a committee of Friends of the Freedom Memorial. We welcome community input and new members. For more information, contact the President of the board of directors, Andy Wilson, at andy.wilson740 at gmail.com.
The Memorial is rung with stones inscribed with words reflecting personal and public virtues. The stone inscribed LOVE is positioned at true north, a lodestar for life and peace.
The Memorial falls under the Celebrate Great Falls funding umbrella.
For information about how the Freedom Memorial came to be, click here.