Partnering with the Community to Create a Lasting Memorial

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

How do you honor someone who literally laid down his life to serve his country, the Commonwealth and his county? This was the question facing the Stafford Board of Supervisors six years ago when Donald and Colleen Lamar, broken-hearted parents, came to the Board asking them to name a street for their beloved son, Marine Corps Sergeant Donald James Lamar, II. Sgt. Lamar, age 23, lost his life in Afghanistan while serving his country, leaving behind a baby and a young wife. The Board decided they wanted to recognize and honor all who had made the ultimate sacrifice as well as the sacrifices made by their families in a lasting memorial that could educate the public, serve as a gathering place and visible reminder of the cost of freedom. They appointed three citizen volunteers to create the memorial and coordinate a partnership with the community to build the eventual $838,000 Stafford Armed Services Memorial.