Jon Hatfield
"We live in the greatest country in the world and enjoy more freedoms than most of the world's population. Memorial Day is the day that we can gather together and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice."
Jon Hatfield is the executive director of the Virginia War Memorial Foundation. The General Assembly of Virginia first authorized the creation of the Virginia War Memorial, which is located at 621 S. Belvidere St., in 1950. Gov. John S. Battle made the initial appropriation and Leslie Cheek was appointed Professional Advisor and supervised an architectural competition to choose the design. The result was the selection of architect S. J. Collins of Staunton, Va. Before the Memorial planning was complete, the United States found itself again plunged into war. After the Korean Cease-fire in 1953, plans were changed to include the Korean War with World War II. Construction was completed in 1955, and the memorial was dedicated Feb. 29, 1956. The Memorial consists of The Hall of Honor Auditorium, Visitors Center and the Shrine of Memory. The renovated auditorium includes state-of-the-art sound and projection systems for showing the Memorial's educational programs, Virginians At War, and houses a collection of patriotic and historic flags. The Visitors Center contains a series of display cases for Memories of War, a collection of mementos of war, kiosks for Salute to Virginia Veterans, and a gift shop.
What does Memorial Day mean to you?
We live in the greatest country in the world and enjoy more freedoms than most of the world's population. Memorial Day is the day that we can gather together and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Do you or does your family have any Memorial Day traditions?
Since joining the Army in 1966, I have always attended a Memorial Day Ceremony wherever I have been. I believe that all Americans should show their patriotism and their thankfulness for their freedoms by participating in some kind of Memorial Day recognition.
What did you do before becoming the executive director of the Virginia War Memorial and how did you come into this position?
Prior to working for the Memorial's Board of Trustees, I was the Assistant Director of the state Department of General Services Division of Engineering and Buildings. One of my duties was to provide administrative services to five state boards and commissions. One of these was the Virginia War Memorial's Board of Trustees. When the Board started looking for someone to look after their interests, I threw my hat in the ring and feel very lucky to have been selected to be the first employee of the Board. I had retired from the Army Reserves a few years before and with this military background, knowing the Board and their goals, and having the experience working for General Services, I feel that this was my dream job.
How have you seen Memorial Day change over the years?
I believe that people understand better than in past years that the freedoms we enjoy every day in America were won and have been protected by our military veterans. It is appropriate that we take this one day a year to thank them for their service and sacrifice. We are seeing a yearly increase in attendance at our Memorial Day Ceremony. Many more families are attending with their children. Last year we had over 1200 attendees and believe we will have more this year. Additionally, over 800 people stopped by the Memorial in the afternoon after the ceremony.
How do you think the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have affected people's outlook on Memorial Day?
I believe that our ceremony on Memorial Day affords many people the opportunity to show their patriotism during this time of war. With the increase in family attendance, multiple generations are involved with the message that freedom is not free.
Do you think people can support the troops and the military and not support the war in Iraq?
We constantly work to impart this message to the young people who come to the Memorial. Our troops are doing a magnificent job and are following the orders of their commanders. The politics of war need to stay off the battlefield. As a side note, members of our Armed Forces who we have talked with tell us that our efforts in Iraq are working and they are proud to be a part of it.
What are some of your other favorite museums or memorials around Richmond that people should visit?
The Virginia Holocaust Museum is a great place to tell the story of the horror of World War II. We fit nicely with that story as we are a visual reminder of what it took to end that horror. Richmond has many fine memorials and museums all with a great message and worth taking the time to visit. My personal favorites are all the museums that teach history. Richmond is a wonderful place to live if you enjoy history.
What is your personal motto?
I don't have really have a personal motto. I have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America since the mid 1950's and their motto of "Be Prepared" is good advice to all of us. As a Rotarian, I believe in the Rotary Club's "Four Way Test" which guides us in all things we think, say, or do:
1. Is it the Truth?
2. Is it Fair to all concerned?
3. Will it Build Goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
I believe that we could all be better if we applied this test to our daily lives.
What do you do in your free time?
I have a life-long hobby of old cars. My wife and I frequently participate in Packard Automobile Club events in the mid-Atlantic area.
What's the hardest lesson you've had to learn in life?
Learning to be a good listener. God gave everyone one mouth and two ears and to me that implies that we should listen twice as much as we talk – I am still working on this.
If you weren't working as the director of the Virginia War Memorial, what do you think you would be doing?
I really can't imagine myself anywhere else but if I wasn't here at the Memorial, I would probably be retired dividing my time between my church, volunteering at a memorial or museum, and our old cars.
Do you watch a lot of war movies, and if so which would you say is your favorite or the most accurate? If not, what kind of movies do you like to watch and why?
I really don't watch a lot of movies but my favorites are adventure and war movies. Growing up in the 50's and 60's, James Bond movies and other adventure movies were competing with John Wayne and others for your attention. I like the war movies but most stray from historical facts.
What will the memorial be doing for Memorial Day 2008?
The ceremony on Monday, May 26 will be held at 10:00a.m. and is free and open to the public. Free parking is available. The ceremony is co-hosted with the 11th District, American Legion who takes the lead in conducting the event. The ceremony will include a guest speaker (Mr. Andy Robertson, State Commander of the American Legion), a rifle salute and wreaths presented by civic and veteran organizations. Bagpipers and a soloist accompanied on keyboard provide music and the ceremony is concluded by the sounding of TAPS. This year, the Memorial will be showing an outstanding collection of D-Day artifacts donated from the Jean and Howard Hart collection. These items will be displayed inside the Memorial's Hall of Honor Auditorium.
What is the most important part of the memorial for you?
The Shrine of Memory is hallowed ground. On its glass and stone walls are engraved the names of 11, 639 Virginians killed in action from WWII through Desert Storm. At the south end of the Shrine, the statue, Memory, represents the women of Virginia looking down in sadness at the loss of her sons and daughters but proud of their accomplishments. The Shrine also includes a Reflecting Pool and the Torch of Liberty eternal flame burns in honor of the sacrifice of those listed on the walls.
What part of the memorial do visitors seem to be most impressed or awed by?
The Shrine of Memory is the focal point of the Memorial. Walking through this area reminds us of all the families that were affected by the ultimate sacrifice paid by many brave Virginians. Additionally, we have the most spectacular view of the City of Richmond from our location. Standing beside the Shrine of Memory, you have a sweeping panoramic view of the James River and the downtown business district. Photo opportunities abound.
What does the memorial do in order to help educate the community?
Our mission is to honor veterans, remember the past and educate future generations. As part of that mission, we conduct student seminars, teacher institutes, YMCA programs, Boy Scout programs and greet schools and other groups for presentations and tours. Another key component of our mission is our award- winning, VIRIGNIANS AT WAR, documentary film series which has been distributed to every middle and high school and college across the Commonwealth. These films were produced at no cost to taxpayers and are distributed free of charge to the schools.
What sort of reactions do you get from veterans and their families that visit the memorial?
Most of the people we have contact with who visit the Memorial all indicate that it is truly beautiful and meaningful. Frequently, we hear that they would like to bring their relatives to see the Shrine of Memory. There are many people from the Richmond area who tell us that they have passed the Memorial for years and have never stopped. They are universally amazed that we have so many educational programs to teach history, honor veterans and instill patriotism. We are continually working to get the word out about the Memorial and all it offers.
What plans does the memorial have for the rest of the year and into the future?
Other than the regularly scheduled Student Seminars, Teacher Institutes, and Patriotic Programs, we plan to break ground this fall on our new $8.1 million education center named for Paul and Phyllis Galanti. This new center will allow the Memorial to conduct its educational programs without having to turn school and other groups away due to a lack of room. We have also recently received the donation of some major artifacts that will give us the ability to teach about all wars in which our nation has fought. The new education center will enable us to host more events and activities and have much more display space.
What would you personally like to see change or improve with the memorial?
The completion of the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center and the impact of the additional 17,000 square feet of space will allow the Memorial to become a major educational destination for students and tourists alike. This fall, we will have the premiere of our near virtual reality film, Into Battle, which will utilize surround sound, special lighting and other features (like snowing in the auditorium during one sequence) to place the viewer in the middle of an active battlefield. I believe that our mission to honor veterans by teaching this and future generations about their sacrifices is one that needs to be aggressively pursued.
Richmond is _________.
Blessed with tradition and rich in history.
Memorial Day 2008 Reading Room:
Jon Hatfield -- This Memorial Day, we talk to the head of Virginia's Mecca for remembering the efforts of our Commonwealth's fighting men and women.
Remembering Our Heroes -- Richmond.com has your guide to this year's Memorial Day events.
Fuzzy Memorial -- This Memorial Day, say a silent prayer for our troops. Then make really bad decisions.
The War Hits Home -- For those waiting back home as loved ones are away at war, Memorial Day can bring a plethora of emotions.
Less Traffic This Weekend? -- Thanks to higher gas prices, AAA Mid-Atlantic projects fewer travelers this holiday weekend.
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