Virginia War Memorial opens Galanti Education Center
The Virginia War Memorial officially opened the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center on Friday, September 17 — which also happened to be National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
The Virginia War Memorial officially opened the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center on Friday, September 17 — which also happened to be National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Paul Galanti is a former Navy Pilot who spent nearly seven years as a POW in North Vietnam before being released with the help and persistence of his wife (whose determination to bring her husband home earned her the nickname “Fearless Phyllis”) and Ross Perot.
The Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center commemorates soldiers who fought in all American Wars, beginning with the American Revolution, and including the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The center also includes the space and facilities to accommodate increasing school field trips, veteran groups, active military, and general visitors and tourists.
Events celebrating the opening of the center began on Friday morning with a ceremony honoring former POWs and those still Missing in Action; Rear Admiral Robert H. Shumaker, USN, a Vietnam Ex-POW, spoke at the event.
Friday evening, the War Memorial hosted a gala for government officials and military leaders. Governor Bob McDonnell, Mr. Ross Perot, former Secretary of State Lawrence Eaglbeburger, and Mr. and Mrs. Galanti spoke at the event.
Festivities were scheduled to continue into the weekend with a Virginia Native American blessing and an official ribbon cutting ceremony, along with appearances from the Hanover Concert Band, the Greater Richmond Chorus of Sweet Adelines, and the John Marshall High School Alumni Band on Saturday, and a VMI Regimental Band and Pipes concert on Sunday.
The Virginia War Memorial is located at 621 S. Belvidere Street and is free to the public (with ample parking). Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9am to 4pm and Sunday, noon to 4pm.
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Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
How do I contact Paul Galanti, my former Commander?…..CWO3 Bill Baker, USN, Ret., NRD Richmond, VA.. Paul was and is my best CMDR and Friend…
Bill Baker
I have Lt. Comdr. Paul Galanti’s POW bracelet from years ago. I wore it for years. I also still have the original “Newsweek” magazine. I will never forget. I would like to send him a message.
Thank you.
See you at Homecoming!
You were my Corridor Commander, Washington Hall…..a lifetime ago!
Looking forward to the weekend!
Woodie ’60 “B” Co!