Freedom Park
"Remembering Those Who Served"

US 221 North

Floyd, Virginia 24991

Floyd Co. WWII Heros

Chronology of WWII

The Way it Was Aug 1945

Japan Signs Final Surrender

WWII Ends

REMARKS BY JACK SPANGLER On the Occasion of the Memorial Dedication July 12, 2008 Commander of the American Legion Post 127,Commander VFW Post 7854, Officers of the Ladies Auxiliaries, People of Floyd County, Veterans, Members, Distinguished Visitors, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is a solemn and momentous occasion as we gather here to dedicate the memorial you see in front of us. As I look at the etching on the front of this granite monument I recall the grim days of World War II when an entire world lived in fear, when democracy was on the defensive everywhere and modern civilization trembled in the balance. The Americans raising the flag reminds me that freedom is not always free. It is the most costly thing in the world and is never paid for in a lump sum. Installments come due in every generation. All any of us can do is offer the generations that follow a chance for the freedoms that we now enjoy. The stone you see here stands in memory of those who fell on land, sea and in the air and made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our country. They are real heroes and their heroic deeds are an inspiration to us as they served America in time of war, giving their last full measure of devotion so we may enjoy life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. This monument also honors all of those who have served in uniform and put their lives at risk so that justice, freedom and democracy might survive as well as all those on the home front that supported our men in uniform. I would like to emphasize that this memorial is to honor ALL the people of Floyd County whose selfless patriotism and devotion to duty has contributed in the past and continues to contribute to maintaining the freedom of this great country. Few if any will long remember the words we say here today. But this monument is made of black granite. It stands on a solid foundation of white granite proudly displaying the words "IN GOD WE TRUST". Long may it stand as a reminder to the generations that follow of the patriotism of the people of Floyd County! It is with great pleasure that I now present this stone monument to the people of Floyd County in honor of our fellow citizens past and present. And with it I pledge American Legion Post 127 to the faithful service of our country and to the preservation of the memory of those who served and those who died so that liberty might survive. Address comments to: Commander, American Legion Post 127 PO Box 8 Floyd, VA 24091 Commander, VFW Post 7854 6246 Floyd Hwy N Check, VA 24072 Regent Floyd Courthouse Chapter NSDAR 469 Floyd Hwy N Floyd, VA 24091 Last Updated : March 27, 2020